Handout 4: What Are Abuse and Neglect?

Understand safeguarding of children and young people (for those working in the adult sector)

Handout 4: What are abuse and neglect?

Learning outcome 2/Assessment criteria 2.1

Health and social care professionals should safeguard children and young people from any experience that makes them feel unsafe or which may be harmful. Awareness of different kinds of abuse and neglect are a prerequisite for this kind of work.

Working Together (DCSF, 2010) defines abuse and neglect and identifies what each involves. An extract is provided below.

Adults are usually the perpetrators of child abuse and neglect. Parents, carers and others who have contact with a child and are in a position of trust or authority are most likely to abuse children. There are many possible signs, symptoms and behaviours that are a cause for concern as they may indicate that a child or young person is being abused or neglected. Examples of these are outlined in Table 1.

Table 1: Examples of indicators of abuse and neglect

Cause for concern / Could indicate / Characteristics
Unexplained injuries, bruising or burns; reluctance or refusal to undress (eg for PE, games or a medical exam); wearing layers of clothing or heavy clothes to cover injuries; aggressive behaviour; fear of physical contact / Physical abuse / Hitting, shaking, throwing, burning or scalding, beating with objects or otherwise causing physical harm or injury. It can result in pain, bruising, broken bones and sometimes disability or even death.
Lack of confidence, particularly in new situations; becoming very withdrawn; delayed development; repetitive, nervous behaviour (eg fidgeting, rocking back and forth) / Emotional abuse / Shouting, swearing and negative criticism; withholding love and affection, bullying including cyber-bullying; causing children to feel worthless and useless. It can
result in low self-esteem and extreme fearfulness.
Disturbed behaviour including self-harm, personality changes, regression, inappropriate sexual behaviour; medical problems such as repeated urinary infections; insecurity and lack
of trust / Sexual abuse / Forcing or enticing into sexual activities; viewing pornographic material, including on the internet; encouraging inappropriate physical touching; sexual harassment
Constant hunger; tiredness (always falling asleep); poor personal hygiene; inadequate
or inappropriate clothing; poor interpersonal and social skills. / Neglect / Not providing food, clothing, warmth, shelter, basic hygiene, care or protection. Can result in failure to thrive and developmental delay.