Abuse

All children and young people have the right to be safe and protected from harm. It is every organsations responsibility to ensure that all children and young people are protected from abuse. Some children, such as disabled children, are particularly vulnerable. Organisations should take steps to combat discrimination and actively include all children and young people in their safeguarding measures.

• We all have a duty to safeguard the welfare of children and young people
• protect children and young people
• do something when anyone becomes aware that a child might be at risk or suffering from abuse or neglect

Unfortunately despite these aspirations we recognise there are people who seek to harm them. There are many forms of abuse such as:

• Physical Abuse such as physical assaults like kicking, punching or burning
• Emotional Abuse which is when adults do or say things to children that make them feel frightened or unloved
• Neglect such as leaving children on their own, not feeding or looking after them properly
• Sexual Abuse which is usually inappropriate sexual behaviour by an adult towards a child
• Bullying. Bullying and harassment are defined as any unsolicited or unwelcome act that humiliates, intimidates or undermines the individual involved, it is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying and harassment results in pain and distress to the victim.