Advice if you suspect child abuse

Child abuse happens when a child is harmed or not cared for properly. It can occur in various situations and applies to anyone under 18. For vulnerable individuals, this extends to age 25.

If you suspect a child or young person is being abused, or you are concerned about their welfare:

All reports are handled confidentially and you can remain anonymous. Abuse and exploitation can take many forms, often interlinking. Both boys and girls can be affected, regardless of background or circumstances.


Types of child abuse

CCE occurs when children are coerced, persuaded, or trafficked into engaging in illegal activities, often for gangs. This includes:

  • drug running or selling
  • committing crimes under threats of violence or intimidation

Signs of CCE include children frequently missing from home, associating with older individuals, or being found in unfamiliar locations.

For more information, visit the CCE webpage.

CSE involves coercing or manipulating children into sexual activities. It can happen in person, online, or through a group and often involves:

  • providing gifts, money, drugs, or alcohol in exchange for sexual acts
  • using threats or fear to force the child into participation
  • building inappropriate relationships that exploit the child’s trust

Children involved in CSE may have unexplained money or items and display sudden changes in behaviour.

For more information, visit the CSE webpage

Emotional abuse involves ongoing mistreatment that negatively impacts a child’s mental health and development. This can include:

  • ignoring the child or making them feel invisible and unimportant
  • bullying, mocking, or belittling the child, often in public or at home
  • blaming the child for family issues or problems beyond their control
  • using derogatory names like 'useless' or 'worthless', damaging self-esteem
  • preventing the child from expressing themselves or making fun of their words

The effects of emotional abuse may not always be visible but can lead to severe mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and low self-worth.

FGM is the non-medical removal of external female genitalia. It is illegal in the UK and is a severe form of abuse. Key details include:

  • FGM causes long-term physical harm, emotional trauma and severe health complications
  • girls may be taken abroad for FGM, often under the guise of a family visit
  • FGM is frequently linked to cultural, religious, or social practices, but it remains a form of child abuse

Forced marriage may also occur alongside FGM, further endangering the child’s welfare.

Grooming happens when someone builds a relationship with a child to exploit them for sexual, criminal, or trafficking purposes. This can happen:

  • online through social media or messaging apps
  • in person, often by someone the child knows, such as a family friend or neighbour
  • over time, gradually gaining the child’s trust before exploitation begins

Children may not realise they are being groomed, making it essential for parents and carers to stay alert to warning signs, such as secrecy about relationships or sudden changes in behaviour.

Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs over time. It is the most common form of child abuse and includes:

  • lack of adequate food, water, clothing, or shelter
  • ignoring medical, dental, or mental health needs
  • leaving the child unsupervised or in unsafe environments
  • failing to provide emotional support or developmental stimulation

Neglected children may appear malnourished, unclean, or improperly dressed for the weather. They might also struggle with developmental milestones.

Online abuse occurs through social media, gaming platforms, blogs, or mobile phones. It can include:

  • grooming or building trust to exploit the child
  • requesting explicit images or videos, often with threats to share them
  • emotional abuse or cyberbullying, including persistent harassment
  • exploiting the child’s personal information for malicious purposes

Parents and carers should monitor children’s online activities and have open conversations about online safety.

For more information, visit the keeping children safe online.

Physical abuse occurs when a child is intentionally harmed through physical actions. It can take many forms, including:

  • hitting, punching, slapping, or kicking
  • shaking or throwing the child
  • suffocating, strangling, or poisoning
  • burning or scalding with hot liquids or objects
  • throwing objects at the child, causing injury
  • fabricating or inducing illness, where parents or carers pretend the child is unwell, subjecting them to unnecessary medical treatments that cause harm

Children who experience physical abuse may have visible injuries, frequent hospital visits, or explanations for injuries that do not add up.

Child trafficking involves transporting children for exploitation, including:

  • sexual exploitation or forced labour
  • domestic servitude, criminal activities, or forced marriage

Children may be trafficked across countries, towns, or even within the same area. They often face significant harm, isolation and fear of seeking help.


Further information

If you suspect child abuse or exploitation, please act by:

You do not need to provide your name when reporting. All information will be treated confidentially and with care. Reporting can save a child from harm and ensure they receive the help they need.

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