What is child abuse?

There are four main forms:

• Physical abuse: This includes hitting, kicking, beating, shaking and throwing, whether it causes bruises, broken bones or death.
• Sexual abuse: This is where children are forced or persuaded to perform sexual acts by others, whether that's looking at pornography, being touched sexually or actually having sex.
• Emotional abuse: When children are deprived of love and acceptance from their parents or guardians. They may be screamed at, blamed for things that aren't their fault and/or told they are worthless by their carers.
• Neglect: When parents or guardians do not provide the child with the required food, warmth, shelter, care and protection.

Who abuses children?

95% of children who call ChildLine know their abuser, be they parents, teachers, friends of the family or other relatives.

Nobody has the right to abuse you. Not even your dad. It can cause physical injury, emotional scarring, and make an innocent victim feel too afraid to do anything about it.

Is it my fault?

No, every child has the right to be safe, it is the abuser who is in the wrong. Don't deal with it alone, tell someone you trust instead, such as a teacher or friend. 

Updated: 10/09/2008