What is child abuse?

Child abuse is any action by another person, adult or child, that causes or is likely to cause significant harm to a child. It can be emotional, physical or sexual, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention.

Neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as abuse. Often children will experience more than one form of harm, and may experience other difficulties in their lives. This often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event. Abuse can also happen online.

This web page provides information and advice on the different types of harm and how to spot the signs of abuse and neglect.