Child Abuse

'Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm or by failing to act to prevent harm'

Children can experience abuse at homes, in leisure activities at school, in children's homes - in fact anywhere. The abuse is usually caused by someone the child knows and rarely by a stranger. It is also important to recognise that children can be abused by other children.

Main Categories of Abuse

Physical abuse: causing injury or suffering to a child

Emotional abuse: persistent emotional ill treatment of a child

Sexual abuse: involvement of a child in sexual activity, including access to pornography

Neglect: failure to meet a child's basic physical and emotional needs.

Children can also be significantly harmed if they witness or are involved in Domestic Violence. It may be appropriate to contact Childrens Social care about this.

further information

Contact: Family Information Service
Telephone: 0116 305 6545
E-mail: family@leics.gov.uk

Last Updated:
29 December 2006