Physical abuse
Physical abuse is the intentional use of force that injures or risks injuring a child.
Signs and next steps →Safety. Support. A way forward.
Everyone deserves to be heard and protected.
Find clear, confidential guidance if you are experiencing abuse or violence, worried about someone, supporting someone you love, or healing from trauma, whoever you are.
Do not use this form during an emergency. Call 117, 113 or 112 where available.
Three ways to reach out
Know the signs
Abuse can take different forms
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse is a repeated pattern that damages a child's dignity, confidence or emotional development.
Signs and next steps →Sexual abuse and exploitation
Sexual abuse includes any sexual contact with a child, exposing a child to sexual acts or material, grooming, trafficking or creating sexual images of a child.
Signs and next steps →Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical, medical, educational, emotional or supervision needs.
Signs and next steps →You do not have to know everything
One safe step can change what happens next.
- 1Move away from immediate danger if you can.
- 2Tell a trusted adult or qualified service.
- 3Keep asking until someone helps.
Plan ahead
Create a private safety plan
Choose trusted people, safe places and practical steps before a difficult moment. Your answers stay on your device and are not submitted.
More ways to find help