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Physical abuse
This form of abuse involves hitting, throwing, shaking, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or causing any other physical harm to a child.
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Emotional abuse
This form of abuse involves any actions that intentionally cause emotional distress – for example, bullying, mocking, insults or exploitation.
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Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical and/or psychological needs. For example, neglect may involve a parent or carer failing to:
- Provide adequate food, clothing and shelter
- Protect a child from physical and emotional harm
- Provide suitable supervision and care
- Provide appropriate medical care or treatment.
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Sexual abuse
This type of abuse involves forcing a child to take part in sexual activities. It can also include activities such as grooming and forcing children to look at sexual images, watch sexual activities, or behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
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Financial abuse
This involves the misuse and abuse of other people’s money – for example, stealing from others or borrowing money from young children.
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Institutional abuse
This can take place in settings such as hospitals, care homes and prisons. This type of abuse may include unnecessary physical restraint, removal of privileges and unacceptable routines.
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Discriminatory or racial abuse
Discriminatory abuse occurs when someone’s beliefs and values are not respected – for example, if religious beliefs aren’t considered or certain food/clothing are not allowed.
Racial abuse involves deliberately insulting/targeting someone due to their race, ethnicity or nationality.
