Physical Abuse

Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Possible Indicators

• Unexplained injuries or injuries inconsistent with the explanation provided.
• Injuries in different stages of healing.
• Frequent bruises, burns, bites or fractures.
• Delayed presentation for medical treatment.
• Fear of physical contact.
• Flinching when approached.
• Wearing clothing unsuitable for the weather to conceal injuries.
• Reluctance to go home or talk about home life.
• Aggressive or withdrawn behaviour.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child, causing severe and adverse effects on their emotional development.

Possible Indicators

• Low self-esteem or lack of confidence.
• Excessive clinginess or dependence.
• Anxiety, depression or persistent sadness.
• Extreme behaviour, including aggression or passivity.
• Delayed emotional development.
• Social isolation or withdrawal.
• Self-harming behaviours.
• Eating difficulties or disorders.
• Lack of attachment to parent or carer.
• Frequent statements of worthlessness or hopelessness.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether or not the child understands what is happening.

Possible Indicators

• Sexualised behaviour inappropriate to age or development.
• Knowledge of sexual matters beyond what would normally be expected for age.
• Sudden changes in behaviour or mood.
• Reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.
• Unexplained gifts, money, devices or possessions.
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Running away or going missing.
• Substance misuse.
• Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
• Online secrecy or concerning online activity.

Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of their health or development.

Possible Indicators

• Persistent poor hygiene.
• Inadequate clothing or footwear.
• Frequent hunger or poor nutrition.
• Tiredness or falling asleep during the day.
• Untreated medical or dental needs.
• Poor school attendance or persistent lateness.
• Developmental delay.
• Lack of supervision appropriate to age.
• Living in unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Exposure to substance misuse, domestic abuse or other harmful environments.

Neglect often develops over time and may be identified through a pattern of concerns rather than a single incident.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child into sexual activity.

Possible Indicators

• Going missing from home, care or education.
• Older partners or relationships.
• Unexplained gifts, money or possessions.
• Frequent hotel, taxi or transport usage.
• Substance misuse.
• Sudden changes in appearance or behaviour.
• Reduced engagement with family, school or support services.
• Evidence of online grooming.
• Associating with individuals involved in exploitation.

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Criminal exploitation occurs when a child is manipulated or coerced into criminal activity for another person’s gain.

Possible Indicators

• Unexplained money or expensive items.
• Missing episodes.
• Possession of multiple mobile phones.
• Increased secrecy.
• Association with adults or peers involved in criminality.
• Carrying knives or weapons.
• Travelling outside the local area without explanation.
• Repeated police contact.
• Significant changes in behaviour or peer groups.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Children and young people may display harmful sexual behaviours towards other children. These behaviours exist on a continuum and require a proportionate safeguarding response.

Possible Indicators

• Age-inappropriate sexual behaviour.
• Sexual bullying or harassment.
• Repeated sexualised language or behaviour.
• Sharing sexual images without consent.
• Coercive or controlling sexual behaviour.
• Sexual behaviour that causes harm, fear or distress to another child.

Domestic Abuse

Children can be harmed by seeing, hearing, experiencing or being subjected to the effects of domestic abuse.

Possible Indicators

• Anxiety or hypervigilance.
• Aggressive or challenging behaviour.
• Poor educational engagement.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Frequent concerns about family members.
• Taking on inappropriate caring responsibilities.
• Fear of going home.

Online Harm and Grooming

Children may experience abuse and exploitation through the internet, social media, online gaming and messaging platforms.

Possible Indicators

• Excessive secrecy around devices.
• Distress after using online platforms.
• Communication with unknown adults.
• Receiving gifts or money from online contacts.
• Sudden changes in online behaviour.
• Sharing indecent images.
• Evidence of coercion, threats or blackmail.
• Withdrawal from friends and family.

Extra-Familial Harm

Not all abuse occurs within the family home. Children can experience significant harm in peer groups, schools, neighbourhoods and online environments.

Possible Indicators

• Frequent missing episodes.
• Concerns relating to parks, transport hubs or other public spaces.
• Association with risky peer groups.
• Significant behavioural changes linked to locations or peer networks.
• Repeated police or community safety concerns.
• Indicators of exploitation, violence or coercion.

Professional Curiosity

When concerns arise, professionals should:

• Ask respectful questions and seek clarification.
• Explore inconsistencies and gaps in information.
• Consider the cumulative impact of concerns.
• Speak with the child wherever possible.
• Seek advice from safeguarding leads when needed.
• Record concerns clearly and factually.
• Share information appropriately where there are safeguarding concerns.

Professionals should not wait for evidence that abuse has occurred before taking action.