FAQs for Families
Who abuses children?
In a large majority of cases children are abused by someone they know, a parent, family member or friend. It could be someone who is given responsibility for a child, a youth worker, babysitter, teacher, social worker, doctor or member of the clergy. It could be a man or a woman. It could be a stranger or another child or young person. There isn't a specific list but we do know that adults who abuse children will often try to work or volunteer in areas where they can gain access to children.
What is child abuse?
Many behaviours can hurt children - these are just some examples:
- Being tormented or enduring cruelty from adults
- Hitting or hurting a child
- Constantly putting a child down or humiliating them
- Leaving a child alone who is not old enough to care for themselves
- Allowing a child to live in very dirty conditions
- Not feeding a child
- Not seeking medical attention when a child needs it
- Seeing or being involved in violence in the home
- Making a child look at pornographic material
- Making a child take part in sexual activity
Who can I talk to?
There are lots of areas on this website which tell you what to do if you are worried about a child and who to contact.Whether you are worried about your own child or another child, Children's Social Care can offer advice and there are lots of other organisations who can offer advice and help to parents who may be experiencing difficulties.
Can I remain anonymous?
Children's Social Care will talk to you about your wish to remain anonymous and explain that sometimes the information that you share is likely to identify you. They will respect your anonymity if they can and do recognise the difficult position that you may be in but remember that by contacting Children's Social Care you will be helping the child and stopping the abuse.
What if I'm wrong?
When you pass concerns to Children's Social Care, unless the child is in imminent danger, Children's Social Care will make enquiries with other agencies such as schools, health and police to gather information. There will be a planned and considered approach to dealing with the concerns. It is far better to make sure that things have been checked out than to allow a child to be abused - Children's Social Care will always do this in a sensitive manner. Too many children have died from or been subject to repeated abuse because concerns have not been passed on or people did not want to interfere.
Will Children's Social Care take my child away?
If a concern about your child is being looked into by Children's Social Care you will be informed and involved throughout their enquiries. Very few children are removed from their families; the largest proportion of work within Children's Social Care is with children and families living at home. Whilst all agencies have a duty to protect children under the Children Act 1989, the same act states that they have a duty to assess and provide support to families where there is a recognised need. It is important if you are involved with Children's Social Care that you are open and honest about any difficulties you may be having so that they can provide the necessary support for you and your children. Children's Social Care together with other agencies will try to support you to care for your children safely. Children's Social Care will only make an application to the court to remove your child if it is the only way to ensure their safety.
