How to Recognise The Signs and What To Do Next
A Guide for Those Who Deal With Children
What is Child
Abuse?
It is a fact: children do get abused. That is something none of
us want to see happen.
'Abuse' can take many forms. It can mean physical attack, sexual
interference or mental harm.
It can also be caused by neglect, in other words people who are
responsible for children failing to provide them with proper care,
attention or stimulation.
Cheshire Social Services believe that children deserve to be
protected from these things: we want YOUR help to achieve that.
When there are cases of abuse, or when children are at risk of
being abused, it is important that all of us who deal with children
- social workers and members of the public can recognise the signs
and help prevent unnecessary suffering.
The long experience of professional groups who regularly deal
with child abuse cases: Social Services, Education, Health,
Probation and Police, has led to procedures being introduced to
help everyone involved deal with cases effectively and in the best
interests of the children.
This page summarises that information to help members of the
public, playgroup organisers, nursery workers and others who work
with children. It explains what you should do and how you can help
if you become worried that a child is being abused or harmed in
some other way.
Most of the knocks, scrapes and bruises that children suffer as
part of their active young lives are usually easily explained, we
all know that accidents do happen!
However, in a number of cases these other, more serious injuries
are inflicted by parents, guardians or other adults. The
information in this leaflet is relevant in situations where
children may be suffering sexual interference.
There are other, less obvious examples of abuse. Severe physical
and emotional neglect, are just two examples. Although these may
sometimes be less noticeable, they are just as damaging and may
even lead to physical abuse.
Recognising The
Signs
Children deserve to be safe and secure. The best way of helping
to achieve this is to know what to look for and be sensitive to the
signs when they occur.
Recognising the symptoms of abuse can be difficult but you
should remember that where minor injuries are inflicted, more
serious injuries could follow.
Victims of abuse can be any age and from any social background.
The younger the child, the more vulnerable he or she is and the
more serious the damage can be if it is not stopped.
You should be particularly alert if injuries occur in families
which may be involved in violence, crime, heavy drinking or where
there is mental illness, poor housing conditions or financial
hardship. It is important to be willing to share this information
without delay and co-operate in a professional, co-ordinated
approach towards preventing damage or dealing with cases quickly
and effectively.
Ask Yourself the
Following Questions:
- Was this an ordinary accident?
- Is the child being properly cared for?
- Are the explanations acceptable?
Be curious - if the explanations you hear are inconsistent, be
keen to get more information.
There are many signs, some or all of which can suggest that
abuse is taking place or in danger of happening.
Signs to Watch Out
For
- Unexplained cuts, fractures or bruises, including black
eyes
- Burns and swellings
- Repeated minor injuries
- Children appearing cold, undernourished or unkempt
- A change in facial expression or general attitude
- Unexplained absences from nursery, playgroup, or
- Lethargy, tiredness or aggressive tendencies.
All these signs may be due to ill treatment.
Family Signs
You should also look out
for family signs which may lead to children being harmed:
- A history of domestic violence, or excessive drinking
- A mother who shows post-natal depression and may have failed to
form the normal mother-child bond
- The attitude of parents if they are unfeeling or mechanical in
their approach to children
- Social or financial difficulties which may lead to family
breakdown, or
- Failure to seek medical help for an obvious injury.
Remember: The most important thing is to make sure the
child is safe and free from danger.
The Next Step
If you are suspicious that a child is being abused in any way,
it is vital that you tell someone. If there is someone you can talk
to easily, such as a Health Visitor or Doctor. Tell them.
Otherwise, contact your local Social Services office. Doctors,
teachers, social workers, the police and other professionals who
have been in contact with the family will discuss the case in
detail and decide what to do.
You may be asked to attend: your contribution could be vital for
the welfare of the child, so please attend if invited.
If children are thought to be in immediate danger, authority can
be obtained to move them to a safe place to be looked after safely
and properly until the matter is resolved.
We are not asking you to make judgements or interfere
unnecessarily in the lives of others. We simply want to ensure that
children get the love, support and protection they deserve.
We Want to be There When We Are Needed - Not When It Is Too
Late
You can help us to help the children who need our support and
protection. If you are genuinely concerned about a child's welfare,
please get in touch with your local Social Services Access Team. Simply ask to speak to the Duty
Social Worker.
Other useful telephone numbers:
NSPCC
2-8 Henry Street Mews
Warrington, WA1 1NU
Tel: 01925 418430
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline
Tel: 0800 800 5000
Childline
Tel: 0800 1111
