It is not always easy, even for those with specialised training, to recognise child abuse.  Not all people working with children are expected to be experts at such recognition.  Significant harm includes anything which impairs a child’s social or physical development or well-being.  If you have any concern that a child is at risk, you must report it immediately to the CPLO who will contact the Children’s social care department or police as appropriate. Information is available on www.safeguardingsheffieldchildren.org.  The following signs may indicate the possibility of abuse or neglect. It is, however, important to remember that none of the following are conclusive proof of abuse and all can have an innocent explanation.

Physical Abuse

This is defined as ‘physical harm or injury which is deliberately inflicted on a child’.   This will include hitting, kicking, burning, scalding, biting, nipping, scratching and the act of giving any poisonous or harmful substances such as drugs, illegal substances or alcohol to a child to cause harm or injury.

Physical abuse can create such signs and symptoms as bruising, fractures and breakages of bones, internal injuries, brain damage and death to a child.

You should be especially aware of any child who suffers:

  • Any injuries at all, even small bruises, to young babies who are not yet able to move independently
  • Injuries which do not match the explanation given for them
  • Bruises in places where you would not normally expect to find them, in soft tissue, for example, rather than on a bony prominent area
  • Burns and scalds, which resemble a distinctive shape or pattern, for example marks resembling handprints, grasp or finger marks, belt marks or ligature marks, marks concurrent with objects, such as cups, cigarettes or domestic irons
  • Bite marks and bruising which resembles ‘love bites’
  • Bruising which is apparent in or around the area of the mouth

Neglect

This is defined as ‘the persistent or severe failure to meet a child’s basic physical or emotional needs, so that their health and development are adversely affected’.

All children need adequate food, clothing, warmth, love and attention to grow and develop properly.  If they do not receive enough of any of these, their growth and development may suffer.

Children may also be neglected if they are left unattended or in the custody of another child or young person or a person thought to be irresponsible.  Also, they are neglected if the carer does not seek medical attention when the child requires it.

Neglect can lead to the child ‘failing to thrive’, suffering health and emotional problems, also the child can become lethargic and withdrawn being uninterested in their surrounding environment.

You should be especially aware of any child who:

  • is constantly hungry, greedy or stealing food
  • is continually smelly, scruffy and dirty
  • has lingering illnesses and ailments, which have not been treated
  • is often dressed in inadequate or unsuitable clothing for the weather conditions
  • suffers regular accidents, suggesting a lack of appropriate supervision
  • is constantly tired
  • responds inappropriately to attention, the child may show extreme behaviour, by becoming timid and withdrawn or by craving constant attention and affection.

Emotional Abuse

This is defined as ‘continually failing to show love or affection to a child’. Emotional abuse includes severe or persistent rejection of the child, this may happen through a number of actions, either by criticism, bullying, harassment, taunting, ridiculing and ‘belittling’ or by the use of intimidating and threatening behaviour towards the child.  A child that is subject to an environment where ‘domestic violence’ occurs is also the victim of ‘emotional abuse’.

A child who is the victim of ‘domestic abuse’ can often show signs of becoming withdrawn and nervous when in the company of others, the child may also lack confidence and self-esteem or may even show signs of extreme aggression towards others.

You must be particularly aware of any child who:

  • is continually depressed or withdrawn
  • runs away or is frightened to go home
  • is persistently blamed for things that go wrong
  • is made to carry out tasks which are inappropriate to the child’s age
  • is not allowed to do ‘normal’ childhood activities
  • shows signs of excessive fear of their parents/guardians/carers
  • Is excessively ‘clingy’ or tearful.

Sexual Abuse

The definition of sexual abuse is when ‘the child is used to fulfil the sexual desires and needs of a person’.  The act of ‘sexual abuse’ is when a child is induced by bribery, coercion, threats or violence to actively engage in any form of sexual activity. This may range from the displaying of pornographic material to the child, in the form of literature or video, by the act of ‘exhibitionism’ or by physical interaction by the person with the child by means of masturbation, oral sex or intercourse with the child.

A child who is the victim of ‘sexual abuse’ will be traumatised mentally, emotionally and physically. As a result of this experience a child may be unable to establish a stable relationship in their adult life.

Be especially concerned about a child who:

  • is distrusting of adults and unable to understand ‘genuine’ affection from others
  • exhibits sexually explicit behaviour
  • has inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
  • tries to ‘self-harm’ or attempts suicide
  • is unable to form appropriate relationships with their ‘peers’ and others