SUSPICION OR DISCLOSURE

It is hard to be 100% sure if a child is being abused but here are a few signs to watch out for:

•     If a child is often bruised or injured
•     If a child is often withdrawn
•     If a child is often very dirty or smelly
•     If a child is inappropriately dressed for the time of the year
•     If a child is often left at home alone
•     If a child is constantly being ‘put down’, insulted, sworn at or humiliated
•     If a child is putting themselves down constantly
•     If a child seems to be very afraid of and is reluctant to be alone with a particular adult
•     If a child has unexplained changeable emotions, such as depression, anxiety or severe aggression
•     If a child shows sexual knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age
•     If a child is living with parents or carers who are involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse
•     If a child is showing appearance of self-harming

There may be acceptable explanations for these signs in some cases. But on the other hand, this list does not cover every possibility and you may see other things in a child’s behaviour that worries you.

Statistics show that 90% of child sexual abuse is by a family member or someone else who is known to the child.

Don’t keep your concerns to yourself; Trust your judgement.  Abused children need you to act now.

Take action if you are worried that a child is being abused

Reporting makes a child feel safe

If you think the child is in immediate danger than phone the police.

Here are some phone numbers that you can ring that will be able to help

Australia
Police - 000
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800

UK
Police - 999
Childline - 0800 1111

USA
Police - 911
Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-4-A-CHILD

If you are from another country and would like more information, contact us and we will try and find it out for you.

If you have other contact details that you believe would be useful to others from anywhere in the world, please contact us and we would be pleased to add them.