Child abuse is when a child is harmed by an adult or another child (that may or may not be related to them - not family related).

It can be over a period of time but can also be a one-off action or omission that endangers or harms a child's physical, emotional, psychological or sexual well-being. It can be physical, sexual or emotional and it can happen in person or online. It can also be a lack of love, care and attention – this is neglect.

Don't wait until you're certain that a child is being abused: if you have any concerns or suspicions, reach out for help.

If a child is in immediate danger immediately call 000 for police in Australia.

This includes:  

Physical abuse: inflicting harm or injury, such as hitting, shaking, or burning.

Emotional abuse: causing emotional harm, such as constant criticism, belittling, or rejection.

Sexual abuse: engaging in sexual activities with a child, including exploitation or exposure.

Neglect: failing to provide basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.

Psychological abuse: causing mental harm, such as manipulation, intimidation, or isolation.  

What are some potential signs of child abuse?

The signs of child abuse aren't always obvious, and a child might not feel able to tell anyone what's happening to them. Sometimes, children don't even realise that what's happening to them is abuse.

There are different types of child abuse and the signs that a child is being abused may depend on the type of abuse.

For example, the signs that a child is being neglected may be different from the signs that a child is being abused sexually.

Physical child abuse is the non-accidental infliction of physical injury or harm of a child in the form of a beating, shaking or burning, assault with implements, female genital mutilation.

Signs of physical child abuse might include (but are not limited to):

• evidence of physical injury that would not likely be the result of an accident

• bruises or welts on facial areas and other areas of the body such as the back, bottom, legs, arms and inner thighs.

• burns from boiling water, oil or flames or burns that show the shape of the object used to make them such as from an iron, grill or cigarette.

• fractures of the jaw, skull, nose and limbs, especially those not consistent with the explanation offered, or the type of injury possible at the child's age of development

• cuts and grazes to the mouth, lips, gums, eye area, ears and external genitalia.

• bald patches where hair has been pulled out

• multiple injuries - old and new

• effects of poisoning

• internal injuries

  
  

  Emotional abuse: causing emotional harm, such as constant criticism, belittling, or rejection.

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• Neglect: failing to provide basic needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care.

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• Psychological abuse: causing mental harm, such as manipulation, intimidation, or isolation.  

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Child sexual abuse

This is when a person uses power or authority over a child to involve them in sexual activity which can include a wide range of physical and non-contact sexual activity including kissing or fondling of a child in a sexual way, masturbation, fondling the child's genitals, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a penis, finger or other object, exposure of the child to pornography, talking to a child in a sexually explicit way, sending sexual messages or emails to a child, exposing a sexual body part to a child, forcing a child to watch a sexual act including pornography, having a child pose or perform in a sexual manner, grooming or manipulation.

Behavioural signs to watch for in a child which may indicate abuse:

Some children show no signs of being abused, while others may show signs of abuse through their behaviour, emotions or physical appearance.

Some signs can be common across different types of abuse.

Other signs may only suggest that a child is experiencing trauma or grief.

• self-stimulatory behaviours such as rocking or head banging which had not been previously observed

• crying excessively or not at all in young toddlers/infants

• listless and immobile or very thing and pale

• disclosure of physical abuse by the child, friend or family member

• inconsistent or unlikely explanations for cause of the injury

• wearing clothes unsuitable for weather conditions to hide injuries

• wariness or fear of a parent, carer or guardian and great reluctance to go home

• unusual fear of physical contact with adults

• fear of home, specific places or particular adults

• unusually hyperactive, aggressive, bullying, disruptive, and destructive to self or others

• sudden withdrawal and isolation from family and friends

• unusually anxious, frightened or confused

• little reaction or emotion when being hurt, injured or threatened

• suddenly engaging in high risk behaviour suddenly - drinking, drugs, eating disorders, cutting

• bed-wetting, nightmares, sleep walking, insomnia, sudden fear of the dark

• knowledge of adult issues that are inappropriate for their age

• running away or going missing

• complaining regularly of headaches, stomach pains or nausea without physiological explanation, poor self care or personal hygiene.

It can be difficult to tell if child abuse or family violence is happening and those carrying out the abuse can act very different when other people are around. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.

These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behaviour– but it may necessitate further consideration.

You may also notice some concerning behaviour from adults who you know have children in their care, which makes you concerned for the child/children’s safety and wellbeing.

If you suspect a child has been significantly harmed or at risk

if you suspect that a child has been significantly harmed, or is at risk of being significantly harmed, here are some important things to remember:

be alert to any warning signs that a child is experiencing

observe the child and make written notes as soon as you begin to have concerns - pay attention to changes in their behaviour, ideas, feelings and the words they use

have gentle, non-judgemental discussions with the child - expressing your concern that a child looks sad or unwell can result in disclosures

do not pressure the child to respond and do not ask questions that put words into a child's mouth

assure the child that they can come and talk to you when they need to, and listen to them when they do

What to do if a child reveals abuse

If a child talks to you about abuse it's important to:

❤️listen carefully to what they're saying

❤️let them know they've done the right thing by telling you

❤️tell them it's not their fault

❤️say you'll take them seriously

❤️don't confront the alleged abuser

❤️explain what you'll do next

❤️report what the child has told you as soon as possible

Reporting child abuse

Police: Phone Triple Zero (000) if it’s an emergency or if you believe a child is in immediate danger or in a life-threatening situation.

If you suspect child abuse/harm or at risk:

Contact:

each state:

.

Why you should report child abuse

Children often need support to get help, and their families may be too ashamed, distressed or not know how to ask for help. It can be difficult reporting child abuse. People often find it easier to ignore it or avoid thinking about the possibility a child may have been abused.

Find out why it's so important to report child abuse

Child abuse doesn't go away and usually becomes more serious over time.

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It's important to act as soon as you suspect child abuse, or if a child tells you they've been abused.

Remember that:

❤️every child has the right to be cared for and protected by adults

❤️a child is never to blame for their abuse

❤️abuse can affect a child for the rest of their life

❤️if you suspect a child has been abused, it’s better to report it even if you’re not sure, rather than do nothing at all

❤️trust your instincts if you think a child is being abused and report the abuse

❤️ if the offender is a child or teenager, reporting the abuse can help them get support to change their behaviour

❤️if you report abuse, the child will always remember that you had the courage to stand up for them and do something to protect them.

Common concerns people may have about reporting child abuse

⏹️⏹️They are my friend and I don't want them to get in trouble

You know the person who is alleged to have sexually offended and don’t want them getting into trouble with the law. That is unfortunate obviously but protecting the child or protecting the person who is alleged to have sexually offended against a child or young person has to be the priority.

⏹️⏹️You think the family should just deal with the situation

Sometimes, the family’s response is to ask the person who is alleged to have sexually offended against a child or young person offender to go and live somewhere else. If you don’t report the abuse, the offender may continue abusing children.

⏹️⏹️You don’t want to make the situation worse for the family

You may be afraid that reporting abuse will make things worse for the family. It’s important to think about the child who may not have anyone else to protect them, or may be too scared and ashamed to talk about what’s happening.

⏹️⏹️You may be worried the child will be removed from their family

Caring for children and keeping them safe and well is very important.

⏹️⏹️You’re not absolutely positive the child is being abused

You don’t have to prove that a child has been abused before reporting abuse. If you’re worried about a child’s safety, we’ll talk to the family about their situation and assess how we can help them care for their child.

⏹️⏹️You’re worried the family will find out you reported the abuse

Under child protection laws, your identity is kept confidential and can’t be disclosed, even to the child’s family, when you report child abuse. You also can’t be held legally liable if you’re acting honestly and reasonably. (what about other states???)

⏹️⏹️You think it’s none of your business and just don’t want to get involved

Trust your instincts, and don’t just hope that someone else will speak up.

It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe from abuse.

Information to provide about your concerns

When making a report about child safety concerns, you will be asked to provide information that can help officers decide how best to respond. It is still vital you call even if you don’t have all the information.

The information includes:

⏹️details about the child or young person (e.g. name, age, address)

⏹️details about the parents or other relevant persons

⏹️the reasons you suspect the child or young person may have experienced or is at risk of experiencing harm

⏹️whether or not the child, young person or family has support

⏹️the immediate risk to the child or young person

⏹️contact details for the family.

When you make the report, your details are kept confidential.

You are able to make the report anonymously if you wish; however, it is preferable to provide these details so that the officer can call you if further information is needed.

Due to privacy and confidentiality rights of any child or parent brought to the attention of Child Safety, you will not be provided with the outcome for the report you make.

What happens when you contact Child Safety

When concerns are reported, CSOs will determine how best to respond to the situation. Decisions are centred on ensuring the safety of the child. These decisions are often informed by the child's family and cultural values and how these contribute to their safety.

What happens when we are contacted?

When concerns are reported, child safety officers will determine how best to respond to the situation.

Decisions take into account the need to ensure the safety of the child, while respecting the diversity of family values, lifestyles and culture.

Our department will respond to child protection concerns by either:

Child Concern Report

1.Recording a Child Concern Report when child protection concerns received by our department do not reach the threshold for a notification

2.Recording a notification if the concerns that are reported to the department suggest that a child has been harmed, or is at risk of harm and does not have a parent able and willing to protect the child from harm.

At this point the person who notified us (the 'notifier') may be provided with information, advice or a referral to another agency to assist the child and family.

Notification

If the concerns that are reported to the department are recorded as notification:

Child safety officers will assess the concerns by completing an investigation and assessment.

This is done by interviewing the child, family and, if necessary, significant others such as the child's school, doctor or relatives.

A police officer may be involved in the investigation, particularly if the concerns relate to physical harm or sexual abuse.

A notification is also recorded on an unborn child when there is reasonable suspicion that the baby will be at risk of harm after they are born.

Moving a child to a safe place

A child safety officer or police officer can move a child to a safe place in the following circumstances:

the child is under 12 years of agea parent or other member of the child's family is not present and cannot be located

it is not considered necessary to take the child into custody to ensure their protection (the circumstances are not apparently due to neglect or abandonment).

The officer must move the child to a safe place, or make arrangements for another reliable person to move them to a safe place, where they can remain until they return to the care of the parents or a family member.

A safe place can be:

the home of a neighbour who knows the child and parents

the home of a relative or friend

the child's family day care provider

a hospital

an approved foster placement

a child safety service centre

a police station.

Additional support - getting help

You can call any of the following community services for support or advice.

However, if a child is in danger please call the police on Triple Zero (000).

Family and Child Connect - Call 13FAMILY or 13 32 64.

Anyone can contact Family and Child Connect for advice and information, including parents, grandparents, other family members and young people. Family and Child Connect is a free service provided by trusted, local organisations who are experienced in working with families.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services

Family Wellbeing Services are a free and confidential one stop shop for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to access support to improve your social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and help you be able to safely care for and protect your children. All Family Wellbeing Services are delivered by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled organisations ensuring the support available is culturally safe and appropriate.

Parentline - call 1300 301 300.

Parentline is a free, confidential telephone service providing counselling and referrals. Counsellors are available from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

Children, teenagers and young adults can call Kids Helpline to talk about anything — what’s going on at home, stuff with friends, something at school or feeling sad, angry or scared. Freecall (24 hours, 7 days a week) or webchat.

Emotional/psychological long term impact

How to validate a child's experiences and emotions

Documenting evidence

Counselling

Legal process

What to do if a report has been made against you for abuse

🫂How prevalent is it? (aihw.gov.au)

🫂Children's exposure to domestic and family violence (www.aifs,gov,au) and the effects on the child

🫂What are the signs of child abuse?

🫂How do you report child abuse and whom?

🫂What evidence do you need to report child abuse?

🫂What is likely to happen after the issue is reported?

🫂Role of child protection services (www.aihw.gov.au)

🫂Support services for children

🫂School based programs and training

🫂Breaking the cycle