Information on Abuse for Children & Young People
Abuse is never your choice and is never your fault
This page includes information about the different types of child abuse, and where to get support and advice.
What is Abuse?
Below are the different types of abuse that a child or young person may suffer.
Physical Abuse
This is when someone physically hurts or harms a child or young person. This includes:
- hitting
- squeezing
- biting
- twisting a child’s limbs
- burning
- poisoning
- violently shaking a baby
Emotional Abuse
This includes:
- name calling
- being threatened
- being made fun of or made to feel small
- seeing violence between people who care for you
Sexual Abuse
This includes:
- being touched in a way you don’t like
- being forced to have sex
- be made to look at sexual pictures or videos
For information on sexual exploitation please visit Sexual Exploitation Service.
Neglect
This includes:
- nowhere to stay
- not enough food to eat
- no clothes to keep you warm
Bullying and Discrimination
Bullying and discrimination is also a form of abuse. Whether by another child or young person or by an adult. Bullying includes:
- hitting
- taking a person’s things
- name-calling
- racist bullying
Do not deal with this alone.
How does abuse make you feel?
Abuse creates all kinds of emotions, including feeling frightened, confused, alone, guilty, unloved, and ashamed. If something is worrying you, it is important to talk to someone you trust, any information you share will be confidential.
Organisations that Provide Support and Advice
You can find information here about organisations that provide support and advice to children and young people.