Information for Children can now be found at www.hcpc.scot

We realise that the style of this page is not very exciting but it makes the information easier to access for children who may have a disability. This page contains many links to information on other websites.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is when another person puts you at serious risk of long-term harm. Harm can come in many forms:

Not being kept safe by the people who look after you.
Being hit or beaten.
Being very frightened - maybe someone has threatened to hurt you or someone you love. Maybe you have seen bad things happening to your family or friends.
Living with violence at home.
Being bullied, in person or over the internet or mobile phone.
Not getting enough to eat.
Not having warm enough clothes.
Living with someone who often gets drunk or who uses drugs.
Being made to watch 'Adult Only' films, have sex or being touched in ways that make you feel embarrassed or frightened.
Being made to do jobs that only grown-ups should do.

If you are being abused, or you know someone who is, there are people you can talk to and who can help:

Talk to a trusted adult - this might be a teacher at your school, the school nurse, a children's support worker, social worker, police officer or youth worker. It could also be a relative, a neighbour or someone who runs a local children's club e.g. Guides/Scouts, Shinty, etc.
Call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit http://www.childline.org.uk/