Physical abuse

Signs which may suggest physical abuse include:

• multiple bruising to different parts of the body
• fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
• burns of any shape or size
• an injury for which there is no adequate explanation

Sexual abuse

Signs which may suggest sexual abuse include:

• something a child has told you or someone else
• a child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play
• a child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age

Emotional harm

Signs which may suggest emotional harm include children:

• whose behaviour is excessive, for example, excessive bed wetting, overeating, rocking or head banging
• who self harm, for example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose
• who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
• who usually seek out or avoid affection

Neglect

Signs which may suggest neglect include:

• children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
• children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
• children who suffer injuries often due to lack of supervision
• squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions

If you think a child may be suffering or are concerned that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse in the past, use the contact details below to let us know. 

In an emergency outside normal office hours, call the police on 999.

Bullying

Bullying can happen to anyone at any age. Being bullied at school, home or online is upsetting for both parents and children.

There is help available if your child is being bullied. The following organisations can offer advice and help:

Childline

Kidscape