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What is child abuse?

Child abuse and neglect is behaviour by adults in a child’s life that can cause them harm. It can be intentional (on purpose) or non-intentional.

There are 4 main types of child abuse and neglect. These are:

1. physical abuse
2. emotional abuse
3. sexual abuse
4. neglect

A child can suffer from one or more types of abuse.

Some children may not show obvious signs of abuse. Other children may show signs of abuse through their:

• behaviour — such as being withdrawn (internalising) or acting out (externalising)
• emotions — for example, feeling volatile or flat
• physical appearance — including bruising or injuries

At some time, you may be in a situation where you suspect a child is being abused. Being aware of signs of abuse may help you support a child who is being harmed.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse is when a child is hurt on purpose, or at risk of being hurt by someone they know. This could be:

• a family member
• a relative
• a carer
• another child or adult

Signs of physical abuse can be not obvious or hidden. They can include:

• wearing unsuitable clothing in warm weather — to hide bruises, cuts or marks
• being unable to explain an injury
• broken bones, unexplained bruises, cuts, burns or welts
• has an injury for a while before seeking medical help
• has repeated visits to the doctor with injuries, poisoning or minor complaints
• is often away from school

Physical abuse can have other emotional and psychological impacts on a child. They may:

• be frightened of a parent or carer
• be easily startled
• avoid physical touch or seek out physical comfort from relative strangers
• be excessively friendly to strangers
• become scared when other children cry or shout

They may also:

• stimulate themselves by rocking or banging their head, or twirling and pulling their hair
• start fires or be fascinated with fire
• destroy property
• hurt animals
• have physical symptoms, such as headaches or feeling sick in the stomach

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is when a child is repeatedly:

• rejected
• isolated
• threatened
• humiliated

This can include being around family violence.

Physical and sexual abuse can also cause emotional and psychological trauma for a child.

There are many signs that a child might be experiencing emotional abuse. They might have:

• unexplained mood swings
• delays in their emotional, mental and physical development
• poor self-image and low self-esteem
• high levels of anxiety and be easily startled
• a lack of trust in others
• a reluctance to go home
• a fear of someone they know

Physical signs you might notice in a child suffering emotional abuse are:

• language delay or stuttering
• seeking attention or affection from adults they know and strangers
• behaviours that are young for their age, such as rocking, sucking their thumb and bedwetting
• the use of behaviours, like hair twirling and pulling and excessive nail biting and picking, to calm themselves

They may also:

• have behavioural difficulties
• often say they have a headache or feel sick in the stomach
• compulsively lie or steal
• self-harm, overeat or starve themselves
• create violent drawings or writing

Neglect

Neglect is when a child doesn’t have enough:

• food
• shelter
• medical treatment
• supervision
• emotional warmth and attention

Neglect results in the child being injured or their development harmed. Possible signs of neglect include:

• showing signs of hunger — begging, stealing or hoarding food
• lack of proper clothing
• inadequate shelter or unsafe conditions
• poor personal hygiene such as matted hair, dirty skin, sores and/or body odour
• often being ill, having untreated medical problems or a lack of routine medical care
• often being tired, late for school or absent from school
• being left at home alone, or left at school for long periods after the school day ends

Signs that a young child or baby may be experiencing neglect include not meeting physical and developmental milestones.

Sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is when a child is persuaded (coerced) or forced to take part in sexual activities. This can happen both online and offline.

Signs of child sexual abuse include changes in behaviour, emotions and physical signs.

Some physical signs include:

• often wearing layers of clothing
• difficulty walking, sitting or going to the toilet
• itching or pain in the genital area
• frequent headaches and tummy ache
• bruising, bleeding, swelling, tears or cuts on their genitals or anus
• torn, stained or bloody clothes, especially underwear
• unusual vaginal odour or discharge
• having a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

They may also:

• know more about sexual activities than other children their age
• masturbate more or in way that is unusual for their age
• involve other children in concerning sexual behaviours
• refuse to undress for activities
• be afraid of being alone with someone
• create stories, poems or artwork about abuse
• have unexplained presents or money
• accuse someone other than the perpetrator of abuse

A child may not realise they have been sexually abused. Often, they may have been groomed into trusting their abuser.

Children suffering sexual abuse may often feel depressed. They may feel suicidal or attempt suicide.

How can I help protect my child?

You can help protect your child from abuse by teaching them about personal safety.

Talking about safety should be ongoing — not a one-time conversation. When you talk to your child about safety, remember to:

• speak calmly and confidently — try not to scare your child
• give your child time to think about the information and ask questions

Encourage your child to tell you about anything they are feeling or experiencing:

• Remind them often that you are there for them and they can talk to you or someone they trust at any time.
• Ask them not to keep secrets about things that worry them, especially if someone else tells them to keep such a secret.
• Assure them that if something feels scary or wrong, they will not get in trouble for speaking to you about it.

It’s also important to teach your child the correct terms for their private parts (penis, vulva, anus). Make it clear that these parts are private and belong to them. Never make them feel embarrassed about their body or sexuality.

Let your child know that if something feels wrong or scary, they should listen to their feelings. It does not make a difference if something has happened online, or in person. It’s okay to talk about it, and it’s okay for them to stand up for themselves. Teach them the importance of saying ‘no’ if something feels wrong.

What should I do if I notice signs of abuse?

It’s important to be alert to any warning signs of child abuse.

If you suspect that a child is being abused, there are some things to remember:

• Make notes of your concerns and changes in their behaviour, ideas, feelings and the words they use.
• When a child is being abused it doesn’t go away — it usually becomes more serious over time.
• Have gentle conversations with the child.

What should I say to the child?

If you are concerned about a child, you can have a calm conversation with them. You can start by letting them know you have a concern. You may have noted that they are not acting like they normally do. They may seem sad or unwell.

It’s important that you do not pressure the child into telling you what they are going through. You can let the child know that they can always talk to you.

The child may share some of what they are experiencing with you. If they do, it‘s important to:

• listen closely
• don't make judgements about what they tell you
• don’t encourage them to say what you want them to say — their words must be their own, even if it takes time to put their feelings into words

If the child tells you about any abuse, remain calm and listen. Do not ask the child too many questions. It’s not your job to try and find out more or to counsel the child. Thank the child for telling you and assure them that:

• you believe them and want to help
• they are not in trouble and that they have done the right thing

Don't promise to keep it a secret though, because you will need to report it.

Who do I report abuse to?

Anyone who thinks that a child is being abused should report it to a child protection authority.

Some people are mandatory reporters — they are professionals, who are required by law to report child abuse. This includes:

• teachers
• doctors
• nurses
• police

In the Northern Territory, all adults are mandatory reporters.

In most Australian states, the law requires all adults to report known child sexual abuse.

In New South Wales and Tasmania, adults are also required to report serious physical child abuse and neglect.

Child protection authorities you can contact

Call the police on triple zero (000) if you think a child is in immediate danger.

Each state or territory handles child protection separately. Below are the government departments or organisations you can ask for help.

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Care and Protection Services on 1300 556 729.
• New South Wales – call the Child Protection Helpline on 13 21 11.
• Northern Territory – call the Child Protection Reporting Line on 1800 700 250.
• Queensland – during business hours call the Regional Intake Service. Outside business hours call the Child Safety After Hours Service Centre on 1800 177 135. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• South Australia – call the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 13 14 78.
• Tasmania – call the Strong Families Safe Kids on 1800 000 123.
• Victoria – contact the child protection service in the area the child lives. The After-hours child protection service can be reached on 13 12 78.
• Western Australia – call the Western Australia Police Force on 131 444, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or report online through Safe2Say.

Should I report it if I don't have absolute proof?

It can be hard to act on suspicions of abuse. You may feel you are interfering or ruining another person’s life.

You may feel that you can't say anything if you don't have proof that it’s happening. However, it's best to report it even if you're not sure abuse is taking place. By law, reporting of child abuse based on reasonable suspicion is mandatory in:

• New South Wales
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania

Child abuse is unacceptable, regardless of the circumstance or cultural background. Abuse is never the child's fault. Acting on your suspicions could stop any further abuse happening.

Child abuse is also under-reported in Australia. Children can be affected for their whole lives by abuse. It's vital that adults protect them.

However, it’s good to make sure your suspicion of child abuse is not biased by your:

• culture
• upbringing

In some situations, it’s best to talk to the child’s parents or carer about your suspicion. Engaging with the child’s parents can build trust and a support network for the child.

If you can’t decide if you need to report something, think about if you:

• have a reasonable belief that a child is being, has been or is at risk of abuse
• have reasons why you have formed this belief
• have reasons that match definitions and warning signs of child abuse

If the above points are true, it’s best for you to make a report.

What happens when I report child abuse?

When you report a case of suspected child abuse you may be asked:

• the child’s name, age and background
• the reasons you suspect the child has been abused, or is at risk of abuse
• your contact details and connection to the child

Any information you provide will be confidential. However, it’s preferable to supply these details. That way you can be contacted if further information is needed.

Even if you do not have all the details, you should report the abuse.

Resources and support

If you need more information on child abuse, there are places you can go for support.

• Kids Helpline is a free confidential counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25 years. It’s available on 1800 55 1800.
• Lifeline provides crisis support on 13 11 14.
• Blue Knot Helpline supports people who have experience of complex trauma. You can call them on 1300 657 380.
• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) — a national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.