What is child abuse?

Child abuse is the term used when a child or a young person under the age of 18 is harmed. There are four main kinds of abuse, all of which can cause long-term damage to a child:

Physical abuse is when a child is hurt or injured by a child or an adult. Physical abuse includes hitting, kicking, punching and other ways of inflicting pain or injury such as poisoning, drowning or smothering. It also includes giving a child harmful drugs or alcohol.

Emotional abuse is when adults deny children love or affection, or constantly threaten or humiliate them. Sarcasm, degrading punishments and ignoring a child are also forms of emotional abuse and undermine a child's confidence and sense of self-worth.

Neglect is when a child's basic need for love, food, warmth, safety, education and medical attention is not met by parents or carers.

Sexual abuse is when a child is abused sexually by an adult or young person. Sexual abuse can include kissing, touching the child's genitals or breasts, vaginal or anal intercourse and oral sex. Encouraging a child to look at pornographic magazines or videos is also sexual abuse.

Bullying, racism and other types of discrimination are forms of child abuse. Like other kinds of abuse they can harm a child physically and emotionally.

If you think a child or young person is being harmed or is at risk of being harmed then you must contact the Stay Safe team at Children and Young People Services and tell them your concerns.

Stay Safe 0845 6789006

You can also speak to:

Public Protection Unit (West Mercia Police) 08457 444888
NSPCC 0800 800 5000
Childline 0800 1111

After 5pm or at the weekends please phone the Emergency Social Work Duty Team: 08456 789040