What is child abuse

What is child abuse? Types of abuse. Spotting the signs of child abuse. Effects of child abuse. Children's stories. Reporting abuse. Our services. Coronavirus advice. Away from home. Children's mental health. In the home. Online safety. Sex and relationships. Support for parents. Talking about drugs and alcohol. Ways to give. Events and fundraising. Runs, cycles and challenges. Do your own fundraising. Volunteer with us. Campaign with us. Partner with us. More ways to support us.

Become a major donor. What we do. The difference we make. News and opinion. Our organisation and structure. Strategy It also includes leaving a child alone or failing to provide adequate supervision. If the caregiver is unable to provide the child with basic needs due to financial inability, it is not considered neglect, unless relief has been offered and refused.

It includes excessive, aggressive or unreasonable demands that place expectations on a child beyond his or her capacity. Emotional abuse includes constantly criticizing, teasing, belittling, insulting, rejecting, ignoring or isolating the child. It may also include exposure to domestic violence.

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult or an older child. The child may co-operate because he or she wants to please the adult or out of fear. If multiple signs are being exhibited, the child may be at risk of abuse or neglect.

Physical abuse is when a child is injured or harmed by his or her caregiver, or when the caregiver fails to do something to protect the child. Child abuse is against the law. If you or a child you know is in immediate danger, you should call Police on The effects of abuse on a child are serious and long-lasting. Abusive behaviour involves treating someone with cruelty or violence. It often happens regularly or repeatedly. There are four main types of abuse:. Child abuse is never okay, irrespective of the reason.

Some reasons people give as to why they abuse children include:. Child abuse is a form of trauma, and your response to that trauma can show up in your life in different ways. Child abuse is illegal. In some parts of Australia, every adult is legally required by the law to report child sexual abuse if they know it is happening.

If you are a survivor of child abuse, one of the best things you can do is talk to someone you trust - like a friend, parent, family member, or teacher — who can help you through the process. If the abuse is recent or ongoing, they can help ensure you are safe and prevent the abuse from happening again. There are people who want to talk to you and support you through your recovery journey. There are things you can do to deal with child abuse and its effects. If you require assistance, or would like to talk to a trained professional about child abuse and how to report it please call one of these services:.

Provides phone and email-based support for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse, as well as for their supporters and the professionals who work with them. Provides an information and support line can be accessed by anyone wanting information or support relating to child sexual assault.

Check this link to find your state's child protection hotline.