What is Child Safeguarding?

Physical abuse is deliberately physically hurting a child. It might take a variety of different forms, including hitting, pinching, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning or suffocating a child.

Physical abuse can happen in any family, but children may be more at risk if their parents have problems with drugs, alcohol and mental health or if they live in a home where domestic abuse happens. Babies and disabled children also have a higher risk of suffering physical abuse.

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. Physical abuse can also occur outside of the family environment.

Signs of physical abuse

Some of the following signs may be indicators of physical abuse:

• Children with frequent injuries
• Children with unexplained or unusual fractures or broken bones
• Children with unexplained:
  • bruises or cuts
  • burns or scalds
  • bite marks

Emotional abuse is the persistent emotional maltreatment of a child. It is also sometimes called psychological abuse and it can have severe and persistent adverse effects on a child’s emotional development.

Although the effects of emotional abuse might take a long time to be recognisable, practitioners will be in a position to observe it, for example, in the way that a parent interacts with their child. Emotional abuse may involve deliberately telling a child that they are worthless, or unloved and inadequate. It may include not giving a child opportunities.

Signs of emotional abuse

Some of the following signs may be indicators of emotional abuse:

• Children who are excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong.
• Parents or carers who withdraw their attention from their child, giving the child the ‘cold shoulder’.
• Parents or carers blaming their problems on their child.
• Parents or carers who humiliate their child, for example, by name-calling or making negative comparisons.

Sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child. Sexual abuse may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside clothing. It may include non-contact activities, such as involving children in the production of sexual images, forcing children to look at sexual images or watch sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet).

You should be aware that many children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse do not recognise themselves as such. A child may not understand what is happening and may not even understand that it is wrong. Sexual abuse can have a long-term impact on mental health.

Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Signs of sexual abuse

Some of the following signs may be indicators of sexual abuse:

• Children who display knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to their age.
• Children who use sexual language or have sexual knowledge that you wouldn’t expect them to have.
• Children who ask others to behave sexually or play sexual games.
• Children with physical sexual health problems, including soreness in the genital and anal areas, sexually transmitted infections or underage pregnancy.

Neglect is a pattern of failing to provide for a child’s basic needs, whether it be adequate food, clothing, hygiene, supervision or shelter. It is likely to result in the serious impairment of a child’s health or development.

Children who are neglected often also suffer from other types of abuse. It is important that practitioners remain alert and do not miss opportunities to take timely action.

Whilst you may be concerned about a child, neglect is not always straightforward to identify.

Neglect may occur if a parent becomes physically or mentally unable to care for a child. A parent may also have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, which could impair their ability to keep a child safe or result in them prioritising buying drugs, or alcohol, over food, clothing or warmth for the child. Neglect may occur during pregnancy as a result of maternal drug or alcohol abuse.

Signs of neglect

Some of the following signs may be indicators of neglect:

• Children who are living in a home that is indisputably dirty or unsafe.
• Children who are left hungry or dirty.
• Children who are left without adequate clothing, e.g. not having a winter coat.
• Children who are living in dangerous conditions, i.e. around drugs, alcohol or violence.
• Children who are often angry, aggressive or self-harm.
• Children who fail to receive basic health care.
• Parents who fail to seek medical treatment when their children are ill or are injured.

Child Exploitation

Child exploitation is when someone uses a child for financial gain, sexual gratification, labour or personal advantage. Using cruel and violent treatment to force a child to take part in criminal or sexual activities often leads to physical and emotional harm to the child, to the detriment of their physical and mental health, education, and moral or social development. The exploitation of children can take a number of different forms and perpetrators may subject children and young people to multiple forms of abuse at the same time, such as criminal exploitation (including county lines) and sexual exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual (CSE perpetrator) takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage of increased status of the perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical contact; it can also occur through the use of technology. The Home office definition of CSE builds on this, emphasising the ‘intangible reward’ and the ‘prevention of something negative’ as potential pull factors, which are often overlooked.

Common signs of child sexual exploitation (non-exhaustive):

Some of the following signs may be indicators of Child Sexual Exploitation:

• Children who appear with unexplained gifts or new possessions.
• Children who associate with other young people involved in exploitation.
• Children who have older boyfriends or girlfriends.
• Children who suffer from sexually transmitted infections or become pregnant.
• Children who suffer from changes in emotional well-being.
• Children who misuse drugs and alcohol.
• Children who go missing for periods of time or regularly come home late.
• Children who regularly miss school or education or don’t take part in education.

Child Criminal Exploitation

Child Criminal Exploitation (including County Lines) occurs when a child or young person under 18 is coerced, manipulated, or deceived into engaging in criminal activity. This is typically done by individuals or groups who exploit a power imbalance—using threats, violence, or promises of something the child wants or needs—to benefit themselves financially or otherwise.

An example of criminal exploitation is county lines, where gangs use children and vulnerable adults to transport and sell drugs across regions. However, Child Criminal Exploitation can also involve theft, knife crime, or other illegal acts. Children may be unaware they are being exploited, believing they are in control, while perpetrators use intimidation, violence, and manipulation to maintain power over them.

Common signs of child criminal exploitation (non-exhaustive):

• Unexplained money, clothing, gifts or mobile phones that cannot be accounted for.
• Going missing from home, school or care, particularly overnight or for extended periods.
• Changes in behaviour, such as becoming secretive, withdrawn, aggressive or anxious.
• Sudden association with older individuals or new peer groups, especially those involved in anti-social or criminal activity.
• Poor school attendance, exclusion, or a decline in educational performance.
• Travel to areas outside their normal environment without a clear explanation.
• Use of multiple mobile phones, frequent calls or messages, or reluctance to discuss online activity.
• Possession of drugs, weapons or criminally acquired goods.
• Unexplained injuries, signs of assault, or fear of certain people and places.
• Increased risk-taking behaviours, including substance misuse.
• Being found in locations associated with drug dealing, gang activity or county lines.
• Debt, threats, intimidation or concern about owing money to others.
• Changes in emotional wellbeing, including low mood, fearfulness, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Reluctance to engage with professionals or giving rehearsed explanations for concerning incidents.

Child on Child Abuse

Child on child abuse describes harmful behaviours inflicted by one child or young person onto another. These behaviours can occur in various settings including schools, communities, online platforms, and peer groups, and may include physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and coercive control.

Commons signs of child on child abuse (non-exhaustive):

• Sudden changes in mood or personality.
• Increased anxiety, fearfulness, or distress.
• Low self-esteem or loss of confidence.
• Depression, withdrawal, or isolation from friends.
• Becoming unusually aggressive or angry.
• Reluctance to attend school, clubs, or activities.
• Changes in friendship groups or social interactions.
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts.
• Frequent absences or requests to stay home from school or college.
• Decline in academic performance.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Avoiding particular places, classes, or individuals.
• Increased detentions, exclusions, or behavioural incidents.
• Unexplained injuries, bruises, or marks.
• Frequent complaints of headaches, stomach aches, or feeling unwell.
• Changes in eating habits or sleep patterns.
• Damage to personal belongings or unexplained loss of possessions
• Knowledge of sexual matters that is not age-appropriate.
• Sexualised language or behaviour that seems unusual for the child's age.
• Avoidance of particular children or groups.
• Reluctance to change clothes or participate in PE.
• Physical symptoms such as pain, soreness, or recurrent infections.
• Sudden secrecy around relationships.
• Being distressed after using their phone or social media.
• Sudden withdrawal from devices or, conversely, obsessive use.
• Receiving excessive messages from peers.
• Reluctance to discuss online activity.
• Evidence of sharing or threats involving images or videos.
• Bullying, intimidation, or controlling behaviour.
• Lack of respect for boundaries or consent.
• Sexually inappropriate language or conduct.
• Coercing, threatening, or manipulating peers.
• Sharing intimate images without consent.
• Dismissive attitudes towards the impact of their behaviour.

Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery is when children or adults are forced to work or live in conditions where they are controlled, mistreated, or not free to leave. This can include being made to work without choice or being kept in servitude.

Commons signs of modern slavery (non-exhaustive):

Behavioural Signs

• Appears fearful, anxious, withdrawn or distrustful of adults.
• Gives inconsistent, vague or rehearsed accounts of their circumstances.
• Appears to be under the control or influence of another person.
• Is reluctant to speak, particularly in the presence of certain individuals.
• Shows signs of trauma, depression, self-harm or emotional distress.
• Has limited social interaction and few age-appropriate friendships.

Physical Signs

• Unexplained injuries, bruising or signs of physical abuse.
• Poor physical health, malnourishment or untreated medical conditions.
• Appears exhausted from excessive work or lack of sleep.
• Inadequate clothing for the weather or living conditions.

Indicators Related to Movement and Control

• Frequently moved between locations or living arrangements.
• Does not know their home address or where they are living.
• Is accompanied by controlling adults who speak on their behalf.
• Has little freedom of movement or appears monitored.
• Possesses travel tickets or evidence of travel without a clear explanation.

Education and Daily Life

• Poor school attendance or prolonged absences.
• Sudden disengagement from education.
• Appears to be working excessively or undertaking inappropriate responsibilities.
• Rarely participates in normal childhood activities.

Financial and Exploitation Indicators

• Has no control over money or possessions.
• Is seen carrying out tasks for the benefit of others without reward.
• Possesses unexplained money, gifts, phones or expensive items.
• May be involved in shoplifting, drug supply, begging or other criminal activities that appear directed by adults or older peers.

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is when someone is moved, taken, or hidden — often through threats, lies, or pressure — for the purpose of being exploited. This could be for work, criminal activity, or abuse. Both involve people being taken advantage of and denied their freedom.

Common signs of human trafficking (non-exhaustive):

• Being controlled by another person and appearing unable to speak freely for themselves.
• Fearful, anxious, withdrawn, or reluctant to engage with others, including avoiding eye contact.
• Lack of control over personal documents such as a passport, ID, or bank card.
• Poor physical appearance, including signs of injury, neglect, malnourishment, or inadequate clothing.
• Long working hours, little or no pay, or no apparent freedom to leave work.
• Living in overcrowded, dirty, or unsuitable accommodation, sometimes at the same location where they work.
• Limited freedom of movement, being regularly transported to and from work by others, or rarely being seen alone.
• Isolation from family, friends, or the wider community.
• Few personal possessions and wearing the same clothes repeatedly.
• Fear of authorities, deportation, or seeking help

Harmful Sexual Behaviour

Harmful Sexual Behaviour is sexual behaviour between children is considered harmful if the child is being coerced or threatened or if one of the children is older – particularly if there is more than two years’ difference in age or if one of the children is pre-pubescent and the other isn’t. When establishing if a child’s sexual behaviour is harmful, it is important to not only take their age into account but also their physical, intellectual and emotional development.

Children and young people who display harmful sexual behaviour are likely to have considerable levels of unmet need themselves. Evidence suggests that children and young people who harm others may have suffered considerable disruption in their lives, been exposed to violence within the family, may have witnessed or been subject to Physical Abuse or Sexual Abuse, have problems in their educational development and may have committed other offences. Such children are likely to be children in need; some will have suffered Significant Harm and may be in need of protection themselves.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour includes a range of behaviours as outlined by the Hackett Sexual Continuum:

• Sexual behaviours by children which do not involve mutual consent
• Sexual behaviours which are felt to be developmentally inappropriate,
• Sexual behaviours which may be harmful towards self or others
• Sexual behaviours which appear to be abusive towards another person

Common signs of Harmful Sexual Behaviour (non-exhaustive):

• Sexual knowledge, language or behaviour that is inappropriate for the child's age and development.
• Persistent sexualised play that is not typical of children of a similar age.
• Repeated attempts to involve other children in sexual activities.
• Sexualised behaviour that is coercive, aggressive, secretive or involves intimidation.

Behaviour Towards Other Children

• Inappropriate touching of peers or younger children.
• Ignoring or overriding another child's boundaries or consent.
• Targeting vulnerable, younger or less able children.
• Use of threats, bribery, manipulation or force to engage others in sexual activities.

Online Behaviour

• Accessing or sharing pornography, particularly violent or extreme material.
• Sending or requesting sexual images.
• Excessive secrecy about online activity.
• Using technology to pressure, harass or exploit others sexually.

Emotional and Behavioural Indicators

• Sudden changes in mood, behaviour or relationships.
• Aggression, anger or controlling behaviour towards others.
• Social isolation or difficulty forming age-appropriate friendships.
• Anxiety, depression or signs of emotional distress.

Other Associated Concerns

• History of trauma, abuse, neglect or exposure to domestic abuse.
• Poor boundaries and difficulty understanding personal space.
• Exposure to inappropriate sexual content, behaviour or relationships.
• Other safeguarding concerns such as bullying, exploitation, substance misuse or criminal behaviour.

Radicalisation is a process by which a person comes to support extremist ideologies and, in some cases, terrorism. The most reliable indicator is usually a combination of concerning behaviours, vulnerability factors, and increasingly extreme beliefs, rather than any single sign.

In a UK safeguarding context, it's often useful to think about:

1. Engagement – why is the person attracted to the ideology?
2. Intent – are they expressing support for violence or extremist actions?
3. Capability – do they have access, skills, or means to act on those beliefs?

Radicalisation is a safeguarding matter as it places children and young people at risk of significant harm.

There is no such thing as a 'typical’ young person when it comes to radicalisation and those involved in extremism come from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Concerns should be considered alongside local safeguarding and Prevent guidance and assessed proportionately.

Common signs of radicalisation (non-exhaustive):

These can vary greatly between individuals. Having one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean someone is being radicalised, but a pattern of changes may indicate a need for support or further assessment.

Behavioural Signs

• Increasing isolation from family, friends, or usual social groups.
• Sudden changes in friendship groups or social networks.
• Secretive behaviour, particularly around online activity.
• Increased hostility, intolerance, or aggressive behaviour.
• Expressing a desire for revenge, justice through violence, or admiration for violent acts.

Changes in Attitudes or Beliefs

• Adopting extreme views that reject other perspectives.
• Using "us versus them" language.
• Showing intolerance towards people from different backgrounds, religions, cultures, or beliefs.
• Justifying violence to achieve ideological, political, or religious goals.
• Repeating extremist narratives or conspiracy theories without critical examination.

Online Indicators

• Accessing, sharing, or creating extremist content.
• Joining online groups that promote hatred, violence, or extremist ideologies.
• Spending excessive time on websites, forums, or social media channels associated with extremism.
• Becoming defensive or secretive about online contacts and activities.

Personal Circumstances and Vulnerabilities

Radicalisers often exploit vulnerabilities such as:

• Feelings of loneliness, isolation, or exclusion.
• Identity issues or a search for belonging and purpose.
• Grievances, perceived injustices, or experiences of discrimination.
• Mental health difficulties (while recognising that mental ill-health alone does not cause radicalisation).
• Significant life changes, trauma, or crises.

Signs in Young People

• Sudden changes in dress, appearance, or behaviour linked to a new ideology.
• Rejecting previously held values, interests, or friendships.
• Increased fixation on a particular cause or grievance.
• Declining engagement with school, college, work, or family.

Female genital mutilation, also sometimes referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision, refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the genital organs for non-medical reasons. There are no health benefits, it causes severe pain and significant long-term psychological and physical problems.

The practice is illegal in the UK and it is also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM. Since 31 October 2015 all registered healthcare professionals and teachers in England and Wales have a mandatory duty to report FGM cases to the police.

Signs of FGM

Some of the following signs may be indicators that a girl or woman is at risk of FGM or experienced FGM:

• One or both parents come from an ethnic group that traditionally practices FGM.
• An older sister or female cousins have undergone FGM.
• Parents express views which show that they value the practice.
• A girl is withdrawn from all teaching classes on personal, Social or Health Education.
• A girl is withdrawn from school to allow for an extended holiday, or a girl talks about a long trip planned during the school summer holidays.
• A girl may talk about “something special happening”, or that here will be “a big party” or “she is going to be a woman soon”.
• A girl may have difficulty walking, sitting or standing.
• A girl may spend longer than normal in the bathroom or toilet.
• A girl may have unusual behaviour after an absence from school or college.
• A girl may be particularly reluctant to undergo normal medical examinations.
• A girl may ask for help, but may not be explicit about the problem due to embarrassment or fear.

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people in a relationship - intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.

Domestic abuse can seriously harm children and young people. Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse, and teenagers can suffer domestic abuse in their relationships.

Signs of domestic abuse

It's often difficult to tell if domestic abuse is happening, because it usually takes place in the family home and abusers can act very differently when other people are around. The following signs may be indicators of witnessing domestic abuse:

• Children become aggressive and or display anti-social behaviour.
• Children experience depression or anxiety.
• Children do not do as well at school - due to difficulties at home or disruption of moving to and from refuges.

Online abuse is any type of abuse that happens on the web, whether through social networks, playing online games or using mobile phones. Children and young people may experience cyberbullying, grooming, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or emotional abuse.

Children can be at risk of online abuse from people they know, as well as from strangers. Due to abusers being able to contact children at anytime and in their safe places like bedrooms, children can often feel like there is no escape from online abuse.

Signs of online abuse

• Children spending much more or much less time online, texting, gaming or using social media.
• Children are withdrawn, upset or angry after using the internet or texting.
• Children are secretive about who they are in contact with and / or what they are doing online or on their mobile phone.
• Children have lots of new phone numbers, texts or e-mail addresses on their mobile phone, laptop or tablet.

So-called “honour”-based abuse (HBA) is a form of abuse that occurs when an individual is subjected to violence, threats, intimidation, coercion, or other forms of abuse because they are perceived to have brought shame or dishonour upon their family or community. The abuse is often carried out to protect or defend the perceived “honour” of the family, group, or community. It can include psychological, physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse.

Honour-based abuse can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, or background. Victims may experience restrictions on their freedom, surveillance, isolation, threats, assault, coercive control, or, in the most extreme cases, serious violence or homicide. Forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and other harmful practices can occur within the context of honour-based abuse.

A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both parties do not, or cannot, freely consent, and where pressure, threats, coercion, or abuse are used to make the marriage happen. This differs from an arranged marriage, where both individuals freely consent to the marriage, despite family involvement in selecting a partner.

The pressure used in forced marriage may be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, or financial. Victims may be threatened with family rejection, violence, loss of liberty, or being taken abroad for the purpose of marriage. Forced marriage is recognised as a serious abuse of human rights and a form of domestic and child abuse.

In England and Wales, forcing someone to marry is a criminal offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) are also available to help safeguard victims and those at risk.

Professionals should always treat disclosures seriously, prioritise the victim's safety, and avoid contacting family members or community leaders without the victim's consent, as this may increase the risk of harm. Multi-agency safeguarding approaches are essential to protect victims and prevent further abuse.

There is no honour in abuse. So-called honour-based abuse and forced marriage are forms of abuse and coercive control that can have severe and lifelong consequences for victims and require a robust safeguarding response.

 

Common signs of so-called honour based abuse and forced marriage (non-exhaustive):

• Fear of family members or community repercussions.
• Unreasonable restrictions on social activities, education, employment, or relationships.
• Sudden withdrawal from school, college, or work.
• History of running away or going missing.
• Threats relating to family reputation or honour.
• Concerns about an impending family trip abroad.
• Self-harm, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
• Disclosure of pressure to marry against one's wishes.
• Poor attendance and performance at school or work.
• Being withdrawn from school or banned from working.
• Substance misuse.
• Other family members going missing, forced to marry early or running away from home.

B&NES has adopted the information and guidance found on HarmLESS as a guide to multi agency professionals working with young people who self-harm. This provides up to date information about:

• What is meant by self-harm including thoughts and acts of self-harm, and risks and triggers for young people.
• Guidance on how to react and talk to young people who are self-harming using the acronym SLEEP (Stop, Listen, Empathise, Explore, Plan).
• An online assessment tool to complete with a young person. This assessment automatically generates a safety plan.
• Links to others useful resources and web sites.
• Links to B&NES Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Anyone currently using the document entitled Multi Agency Guidelines for Professionals Working with Children and Young People who Self-harm should note that as of November 2017 this is now out of date and should be removed from circulation.

Resources:

B&NES Suicide Prevention - Find out more about the B&NES action plan and where you can access suicide prevention and bereavement resources, support, and training (including free online training).

Coping with Suicide: A summary of support for educational settings 2021