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What is child abuse?
It is when a child or young person is being harmed or not being looked after properly by a parent, carer or family member
As a child or young person you have the RIGHT to grow up safe from people hurting you. All adults have a responsibility to make sure that children are protected and safe from harm.
There are different types of abuse carried out by adults
Physical abuse
This is when someone physically hurts a child or young person by hitting, punching, biting, pinching and anything else which hurts
Emotional abuse
This includes things like being criticised all the time, called names, sworn at, witnessing violence between parents or being threatened
Sexual abuse
This includes being touched in a way you don’t like – no adult should ever tell you to keep things like hugs and kisses a secret and you should tell someone you trust straight away.
Neglect
This includes not being given enough to eat, not having somewhere to live, having to wear dirty and broken clothing, having nothing to sleep on or anything which is a basic human right – warmth, shelter and food
Remember the abuse is NEVER your fault – the adult is to blame
If you are a child or young person who is being abused it is important that you talk to someone who you trust and get support and help for what is happening to you.
You may feel that no-one will believe you or the adult has threatened that something bad will happen if you do tell – BUT IF YOU DON’T TELL THEN THE ABUSE WILL CONTINUE. When you tell someone who you know you can trust then YOU CAN BE PROTECTED FROM FURTHER ABUSE.
Abuse is wrong and it is against the Law no matter what you are told.
Support for you
Tell a Teacher, a friend or a family member that you can trust. If you are scared to tell anyone then phone Childline for immediate help – there is always someone there to answer you and its anonymous if you don’t want to give your name.
0800 11 11
CONTACT YOUR TEEN LIFE
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