Child abuse is the term used to describe how children are significantly harmed, often by adults but also by other children and young people. Children with special needs are particularly vulnerable and in need of special care. Children are mainly abused by the people they know and trust. Abuse may happen at home within the family or within a public environment such as school or a sports centre. The abuse or neglect of children can have major long-term effects on all aspects of a child’s health, development or well-being. Child abuse can take on a number of forms but can be identified under four general categories:
- Physical abuse
- Neglect
- Emotional abuse (including exposure to domestic violence)
- Sexual abuse
