3.1. Identify the characteristics of different types of child abuse

This guide will help you answer 3.1. Identify the characteristics of different types of child abuse.

Child abuse can take many forms, and each type has distinct signs that workers in early years and childcare settings need to recognise. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or involve neglect, exploitation, or harmful cultural practices. Understanding the characteristics of each kind is important for protecting children and responding appropriately.

Recognising abuse is not always straightforward. Some signs may be hidden, subtle, or mistaken for other issues. A child may have injuries, changes in behaviour, or altered emotional responses that signal something is wrong. These indicators can vary depending on the type of abuse and the child’s age, development, and personal circumstances.

Early detection makes a big difference to a child’s safety and wellbeing. Workers should always be alert, observe closely, listen to what children say, and note any changes in appearance or behaviour. Abuse can have long-lasting effects, both physically and emotionally, so knowing its characteristics helps staff take quick and effective action.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse happens when a child is deliberately hurt through physical force. This harm can be inflicted by hitting, punching, kicking, shaking, burning, poisoning or using objects to injure. Physical abuse may lead to serious injury or even death. It is a criminal offence and must be reported immediately.

Typical characteristics include:

• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts or burns
• Injuries in unusual places, for example behind the ears or on the back of legs
• Frequent hospital or medical visits for injuries that have weak explanations
• The child may flinch when approached suddenly
• Wearing long clothes to cover injuries even in hot weather
• Changes in behaviour such as becoming withdrawn or aggressive

Some injuries may be explained, but repeated incidents that do not match the child’s stage of development can raise concerns. For example, a toddler may bruise from play, but finger-mark bruises around the upper arm suggest force.

Physical abuse can affect a child’s development and self-worth. They may fear certain adults or have nightmares. Some children become hyper-alert, scanning for signs of danger around them.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse involves behaviours that harm a child’s emotional health and sense of worth. This can happen over a long period. It can include rejecting, ignoring, humiliating or constantly criticising the child. It may also be isolating them from friends or withholding affection.

Signs include:

• Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
• Anxiety, depression or withdrawing from social contact
• Developmental delays without medical reason
• Difficulty forming relationships with others
• Extreme behaviour such as aggression or extreme compliance
• Difficulty speaking about feelings

Emotional abuse may be harder to identify because there are no physical marks. Care workers need to notice patterns in behaviour. A child may be fearful of making mistakes or show excessive need for approval.

An example might be a child repeatedly told they are worthless or not wanted. Continuous exposure to such negativity can harm their mental health and affect their ability to learn.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities. It can include non-contact acts like showing sexual images, or contact acts such as touching, penetration or sexual assault. It can be carried out by adults or other children.

Indicators include:

• Sexual knowledge or behaviour beyond what is usual for their age
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Pain, itching, bleeding or bruising in genital or anal areas
• Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections in young children
• Sudden changes in behaviour such as aggression or withdrawal
• Feeling unsafe around certain people or situations

Children may be threatened or bribed to remain silent. They may feel guilt or shame. Workers must be aware that sexual abuse can happen in many environments, including online.

It is important to recognise subtle cues. A child talking about secrets with an adult, or using sexual language not typical for their age, may need further safeguarding assessment.

Neglect

Neglect is failing to meet a child’s basic needs. This can be physical needs like food, shelter, clothing, or medical care. It can also be emotional needs such as love, attention and safety. Neglect is often chronic and may persist over years.

Signs include:

• Poor hygiene and dirty clothing
• Malnutrition or constant hunger
• Lack of medical treatment for illnesses or injuries
• Frequent absences from school
• Living in unsafe home conditions, for example no heating or dangerous surroundings
• Developmental delays from lack of stimulation

Neglect can affect children of all ages. Babies may be left alone for long periods or not given enough food. Older children may spend unsupervised time in unsafe places.

Neglect impacts physical health and emotional growth. The child may struggle to trust adults because they have not experienced consistent care. They may form insecure attachments and have low resilience.

Domestic Abuse and its Impact on Children

Domestic abuse between adults in a household can harm children directly or indirectly. Witnessing violence, threats or controlling behaviour is traumatic. Children living with domestic abuse are at risk of physical injury and may develop long-term emotional problems.

Signs include:

• Anxiety and fear of certain adults
• Aggressive play copying violent behaviour
• Physical injuries such as cuts or bruises from being caught in fights
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Sudden drop in school performance

Even if a child is not physically hurt, living in a violent environment can have effects similar to emotional abuse. Children may believe the behaviour is normal and repeat it in their own relationships.

Fabricated or Induced Illness

This type of abuse happens when a parent or carer deliberately causes or makes up symptoms of illness in a child. It may involve giving them unnecessary medication, poisoning or interfering with tests.

Indicators include:

• Frequent unexplained medical visits
• Symptoms that only occur in the presence of the carer
• Health professionals puzzled by unusual patterns of illness
• Carer insisting on invasive procedures without clear need
• History of multiple different medical complaints without diagnosis

This type of abuse can cause serious harm or death. Workers should pay attention if a child appears healthy in some settings but ill only when with certain adults.

Online Abuse and Exploitation

With increased access to the internet, children can be subject to abuse online. This includes grooming, sexual exploitation, cyberbullying and being exposed to harmful content.

Characteristics include:

• Sudden secrecy about online activity
• Receiving gifts or money from unknown people online
• Distressed or scared after using devices
• Sexualised conversation or sharing images
• Loss of interest in offline social activities

Online abuse can quickly progress from contact online to physical meetings. Workers must be aware of changes in behaviour linked to internet use.

Children may be tricked into believing they have a relationship with someone online, making them more likely to share personal information or images.

Bullying

Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online. Repeated negative actions towards a child can damage self-esteem and mental health.

Signs include:

• Unexplained injuries
• Lost or damaged belongings
• Reluctance to go to school
• Changes in friendships and social isolation
• Frequent headaches or stomach aches linked to anxiety
• Sudden changes in mood

Bullying is a form of emotional abuse. It may involve spreading rumours, mocking, or excluding the child from activities. Workers should take reports from children seriously and investigate patterns.

Cultural and Faith-Based Abuse continued

Workers need to approach these situations respectfully but prioritise the child’s safety. Some cultural practices, while accepted in certain communities, are illegal and harmful in the UK. For example, FGM is against the law and carries severe penalties for those involved.

Children at risk may show signs of fear when these topics are discussed. They may be under pressure to agree with plans they do not understand or consent to. It is important to listen carefully to the child, record concerns accurately and follow safeguarding procedures immediately.

Forced marriage is another form of abuse that can involve sexual abuse, neglect and emotional harm. This can apply to girls and boys. Often, there are early warning signs such as sudden withdrawal from usual activities, changes in dress, or talk of leaving the country for extended periods without a clear reason.

Child Criminal Exploitation

Child criminal exploitation occurs when children are used by criminals to commit offences. This includes transporting drugs, stealing, or carrying weapons. The exploitation can be through intimidation, grooming, or offering rewards.

Indicators include:

• Unexplained money or possessions
• Regular absences from home or school without clear reason
• Association with older individuals known to police or with criminal backgrounds
• Signs of fear or reluctance to talk about certain activities
• Carrying items such as large amounts of cash, weapons or mobile phones

This form of abuse often links to gang involvement. The child may feel trapped and unable to escape. They may see involvement as their only option if threatened or manipulated.

Workers need to recognise that children in these situations are victims, even if they appear to willingly participate. Often, they are coerced or groomed and subjected to threats.

Final Thoughts

Children rely on adults to keep them safe, healthy, and cared for. Recognising the characteristics of different types of abuse is a key part of that responsibility. Abuse may be visible through physical marks, but it can also be hidden, showing only in a child’s behaviour or emotional state. Each type presents its own signs, and some may overlap, making careful observation important.

Being vigilant, sensitive, and confident in reporting concerns gives children a stronger chance of protection. It is not the role of childcare workers to investigate abuse, but it is their duty to notice warning signs and act in line with safeguarding policies. The sooner abuse is identified and reported, the more support and safety can be provided for the child.

Having this knowledge means you are better prepared to notice when something is wrong and respond quickly. This protects children and promotes their right to grow up safe, respected, and supported.