Information for people worried about child abuse or neglect
It is everyone's responsibility to protect children. All children have a right to grow up in a caring and safe environment. All adults have a responsibility to protect children.
There are different types of child abuse. Physical injury - where children are hit, kicked or punched. Physical neglect - where children are not being properly fed, clothed or kept clean. Children who have been sexually abused may have been subjected to inappropriate sexual behaviour or language. And emotional abuse occurs when children are constantly criticised, ignored or humiliated.
Children rarely tell if they are being abused. However, there may be signs which make you concerned and may be an indication of a child being abused or neglected.
Signs of abuse in children include having unexplained bruising or bruising in an unusual place. They may appear afraid, quiet or withdrawn. Sometimes, children are afraid to go home or appear hungry, tired or unkempt. You may be concerned if children are left unattended or unsupervised or have too much responsibility for their age. You may notice a child is acting in a sexually inappropriate way. You may be concerned that children are misusing drugs or alcohol.
You may also be concerned if you see an adult acting in a violent or sexual manner towards a child, misusing drugs or alcohol while caring for a child or being verbally abusive towards a child.
If you notice any of these signs and/or you are worried, please take action to protect the child.
The most important thing is to speak to someone, take action promptly, note your concerns and give as much information as you know about the child and family. You can speak to a health visitor, nursery staff, teacher, family doctor, social worker, police officer or Children's Reporter. If the child is at risk of abuse, this information will need to be shared with other agencies.
You don't have to give your name, but remaining anonymous when you report child abuse may cause difficulties in establishing whether or not a child is at risk of abuse. All information will be treated with discretion. Any details received, including your name, will not be revealed unless the child's safety requires it. Once you have passed on your concerns someone will get back in touch to confirm appropriate action has been taken.
All information received will be treated seriously and will be acted upon. For example, agencies may check records and gather information relating to the child and family. They may speak to the child and family to assess the situation.
Following these enquiries, a decision will be made about what action is needed. It may be decided that no further action is necessary. Alternatively, the family could be offered the additional support, advice and services they need to help them keep their children safe. Where necessary, in more serious circumstances, referral will be made to the appropriate legal system. Above all, action will be taken to make sure the child is safe.
If Child Protection concerns are identified, an inter-agency meeting will be held to decide the best way to protect the child. This will include people who have a knowledge of the child and family eg health visitor, police, teacher or social worker. In a small number of cases, immediate emergency action may be necessary to protect the child.
If you have any concerns about a child's safety, contact your local social work office.
This service is provided by Child Protection Committee - a multi-agency partnership
Contacts and related facilities are listed on the right.
View related publications and forms, where available, by following the links on the left.