What is Abuse?

Being mistreated or abused (sometimes called ‘Significant Harm') is defined as Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Neglect or Emotional Abuse.

	Sexual Abuse An example of sexual abuse would be where a child has been forced to take part in sexual activities or in the taking of rude photos.
	Physical Abuse When an adult deliberately hurts a child, such as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, drowning or suffocating.
	Emotional Abuse This would happen, for instance, when a child is being unfairly blamed for everything all the time , or told they are stupid and made to feel unhappy.
	Neglect Where a child is not being looked after properly, for example, not getting enough to eat or being left alone in dangerous situations.
	Bullying E.g. calling names, damaging property, stealing, spreading rumours, cyberbullying, hurting, getting people into trouble (See Bullying)
	Domestic Violence When one adult in a family or relationship threatens, bullies or hurts another adult e.g. physically, psychologically, emotionally, sexually or financially.