Helping you to understand the issues surrounding child abuse

The vast majority of children grow up in a home where they are loved and cared for. But help must be on hand for the few who need our protection and support.

Edinburgh is a caring city and everyone has a role in child protection.

To help you play your part this Outlook feature will help you understand a bit more.

It is taken from a leaflet that is being widely distributed around the city.

What is child abuse?
There are many different types of abuse including physical injury, neglect, sexual or emotional.

Children are usually abused by a parent or some other trusted adult.

However, there are times when a child may be abused by someone unknown to them. Abusers come from all walks of life and are not restricted to any social class, religion or culture.

Children do not always tell someone that they are being abused.

However, there may be signs which make you concerned and may be an indication of a child being abused or neglected.

How can you tell?
A child who is being abused or neglected may have unexplained bruising or bruising in an unusual place.

They may seem afraid, quiet or withdrawn and sometimes they may even appear afraid to go home.

Some children may look hungry, tired or unkempt. They may be left unattended or unsupervised and have too much responsibility for their age.

Some children act out in a sexually inappropriate way and some misuse drugs or alcohol.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a child is being abused or at risk of abuse. You might have general concerns about a child but be unsure whether the child is being abused.

If you notice any of these signs and/or are worried, please take action to protect the child.

If a child tells you something has happened:

Do:

• stay calm
• listen to the child
• keep any questions to a minimum
• reassure the child they were right to tell
• tell the child what you’re going to do next
• record in the child’s own words what has been said.

Don’t:

• ask too many questions
• make any false promises
• express shock or anger at what is being said to you
• interpret what the child is saying to you – just record and report
• delay listening to the child or passing on your concerns
• carry out an ‘investigation’ into the allegation.

Speak out
If you’re concerned about a child, speak to someone.

This might be a health visitor, nursery staff, teacher, family doctor, social worker, Police officer or children’s reporter.

Make sure you act promptly, note your concerns and try and give as much information as you know about the child and their family.

If the child is at risk of abuse, this information will need to be shared with other agencies.

Will you need to give your name?
No. However, remaining anonymous may cause difficulties in establishing whether or not a child is at risk of abuse.

You can be sure that all information you provide will be treated confidentially and with discretion.

Any details received, including your name, will not be revealed unless the child’s safety requires it.

What happens next?
All information received is treated seriously and will be acted upon.

This might include checking agency records and gathering information; speaking to the child and family and assessing the situation; and making sure the child is safe.

Once enquires have been completed, support or advice may be offered to the family or they may be referred to another agency to get the help they need.

In some cases, no further action is taken. In a small number of cases, immediate emergency action may be necessary to protect the child.

You can talk to staff at one of the following numbers:
Police: 0131 316 6600
Children’s Reporter Department: 0131 667 9431
ChildLine: 0800 1111
ParentLine: 0808 800 2222
Emergency Social Work Services: 0800 731 6069