Types and signs of harm
Harm to a child or young person can be caused by:
- physical abuse: punching, slapping, kicking, shaking, biting, applying physical 'discipline' or 'punishment' causing harm or injury
- emotional or psychological abuse: constant criticism, scapegoating, name-calling, belittling, excessive teasing, ignoring, punishing normal behaviour, exposure to domestic and family violence, withholding praise and affection
- neglect: failing to meet the child's basic needs for adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter, safety, hygiene, medical care, education, love and affection and failure to use available resources to meet those needs
- sexual abuse or exploitation: any sexual act or sexual threat imposed upon a child including exposure, indecent phone calls, voyeurism, persistent intrusion of a child's privacy, penetration, rape, incest, involvement with pornography, child prostitution.
These types of harm often occur together. The younger a child is, the more vulnerable they are and the more serious the consequences are likely to be.
Signs of harm
Children who have been harmed or are at risk of harm may show behavioural, emotional or physical signs, and some children may show no signs at all.
Some general indicators that a child or young person may have been harmed or is at risk of harm include:
- showing wariness and distrust of adults
- excessive rocking, sucking and biting
- difficulty sleeping, often being tired and falling asleep
- inconsistent explanation for injuries
- low self esteem
- difficulty relating to adults and peers
- aggressive or demanding behaviour
- abusing alcohol or drugs
- bedwetting or soiling
- being seemingly accident prone
- suicidal feelings or attempts at suicide
- difficulty concentrating
- being withdrawn or overly obedient
- reluctance to go home
- creating stories, poems or artwork about abuse.
- Last updated
- 3 August 2007