Child Abuse

Most young people receive enough care and love to grow up into happy, healthy adults. However, some aren't so lucky. Some experience abuse - either to themselves or to someone they live with.

There are four kinds of abuse:

Emotional abuse is when someone criticises you all the time, or shouts at you, etc.
Physical abuse is hitting, punching, burning, wounding. It's to do with physical contact.
Sexual abuse is when you're forced to have sex, or someone touches you in a way that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Neglect is when you don't have clothes, or don't have enough food and you've been neglected

A young person usually knows the person hurting them, or making them do things they shouldn't. Abuse can happen anywhere.

If you are being abused, it can be very upsetting and it can make you feel angry, alone, unloved, frightening and guilty. Abuse is NEVER right. No one chooses to be abused.

Signs that someone's being abused

They become quiet and withdrawn
They have injuries they can't explain
They wear clothes that cover them up, such as jumpers even when it's hot
They don't like being touched
They put themselves down

Is someone you live with being abused?

Keep safe. Find a safe place in the house, or somewhere else where you feel safe. Go there when things get hard at home.
Tell someone. Let someone you trust know what's happening - for example: a teacher or a friend.
Call one of the helplines listed under 'Who to Contact...'
Try and get them to seek help and point them to the details in 'Who to Contact...'

Are you being abused?

Remember - it's not your fault. The person who abused you is to blame.
You have the right to be safe
Tell someone you can trust, like a parent, carer, teacher, friend or contact someone under 'Who To Contact...'

Who To Contact...

Childline - 0800 1111
NSPCC - 0808 800 5000
Meic - 080880 23456 or text 84001

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