Child abuse

Child abuse is when a child is intentionally harmed by another person or when someone fails to prevent harm occurring to them. It can also be through neglect.

Children may be abused in a family or in an institution or community setting. A child may be abused by those known to them or by a stranger (although this is less common). They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children. Abuse can take place in person or online. It can be over a period of time but can also be a one-off action.

The main legally defined categories of child abuse are: 

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Financial (Wales only)