What is Child Abuse?
Child abuse is any action by another person – adult or child – that causes significant harm to a child. It can be physical, sexual or emotional, but can just as often be about a lack of love, care and attention. We know that neglect, whatever form it takes, can be just as damaging to a child as physical abuse.
An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives. It often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event. And it can increasingly happen online.
More information is available about the different types of abuse here.
The NSPCC has published the Talk Pants Guide for Parents: a simple guide for parents and carers to use when initiating simply conversations to keep your child safe from abuse.
We all have a personal responsibility to notice when a child or young person may be being abused and pass our concerns to someone who can act to protect them.
What should you do if you have concerns about a child’s welfare?
If you have concerns about a child’s welfare or suspect that a child is being neglected or abused, please telephone Redbridge Council on:
- 020 8708 3885 (9.00am to 5.00pm)
- 020 8708 5897 (after 5.00pm)
Alternatively, you can e-mail CPAT.referrals@redbridge.gov.uk. Your concerns will be properly considered and acted upon by a senior officer.
For immediate help ring the police on 999.
More information and guidance can be found on the Think U Know website.