Child abuse is a phrase we use when children and young people are being hurt by people who should care for them. There are different types of harm that can come under the heading of child abuse and sometimes we use different categories of abuse as a kind of quick way to help people understand a bit about the kind of things that might be happening to a young person.
The different categories of abuse are:-
Physical abuse: we talk about young people being physically abused when adults hit, kick, punch or physically injure them. Physical abuse includes being burned, scalded, shaken or choked by a grown up. We might also refer to physical abuse if a parent or carer pretends that their child is unwell and needs medical treatment.
Emotional abuse: this is when an adult behaves in a way that makes a young person feel like they are worthless, unloved and uncared for. They might do things on purpose to make the young person feel anxious, scared, unhappy or inadequate. It can be hard sometimes for people outside the relationship to see what is happening when someone is being abused emotionally but it can have a big impact on how young people feel about themselves and the world around them.
Sexual abuse: this involves using a young person for sexual enjoyment. Sexual abuse can involve someone having sex with a young person or involving them in other sexual activities. Sexual abuse can feel confusing because the young person might think they have given consent to sex, or may have been threatened, forced or manipulated into having sex.
Neglect: we talk about young people being neglected when they don't have their basic needs met by people whose job it is to care for them. It might mean that you don't have enough food to eat, or proper clothes for the weather outside (like not having a warm coat and dry shoes in winter). It might also mean that your house isn't clean and warm and safe, or that someone isn't there for you when you need their help or care. It can be hard to think of yourself as being neglected, especially as a teenager when you might be starting to take some more responsibility for yourself but you still need, and deserve, to have someone to look after you and to meet your need for safety and care.