Identifying child abuse and neglect

How to recognise different types of child abuse and neglect.
Last updated:

In Western Australia, under the Children and Community Services Act 2004, a child is a person under the age of 18 years.

There are generally four types of child abuse and neglect, which may co-exist.

Physical abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a child is severely and/or persistently hurt or injured by an adult or a child's caregiver. It may also be the result of putting a child at risk of being injured.

Some examples are:

  • hitting, shaking, punching
  • burning and scolding
  • excessive physical punishment or discipline
  • attempted suffocation
  • shaking a baby.

Possible signs of physical abuse are:

  • broken bones or unexplained bruises, burns, welts
  • the child is unable to explain an injury or the explanation is vague
  • dehydration or poisoning
  • the child is unusually frightened of a parent or caregiver
  • arms and legs are covered by clothing in warm weather
  • when parents delay getting medical assistance for their child’s injury
  • brain damage through shaking or hitting.

See also body piercing, tattooing and branding.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is exposed to, or involved in, sexual activity that is inappropriate to the child’s age and developmental level.

It includes circumstances where the child has less power than another person involved, is exploited or where the child has been bribed, threatened, or coerced. It also includes situations where there is a significant difference between the developmental or maturity level of the child and another person involved. Some examples are:

  • letting a child watch or read pornography
  • allowing a child to watch sexual acts
  • fondling the child’s genitals
  • having oral sex with a child
  • vaginal or anal penetration
  • using the internet to find a child for sexual exploitation.

Possible signs of sexual abuse include when a child:

  • acts in a sexualised way that is inappropriate to his/her age
  • creates stories, poems or artwork about abuse
  • has pain, bleeding or swelling in his/her genital area
  • starts doing things they have grown out of such as crying a lot, bed wetting or soiling, clinging to caregiver
  • has nightmares or sudden unexplained fears
  • has a sexually transmitted infection or is pregnant.

Visit the Mandatory Reporting page for further information on the legislation for the mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse by doctors, nurses, teachers and police officers.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when an adult harms a child’s development by repeatedly treating and speaking to a child in ways that damage the child’s ability to feel and express their feelings.

Some examples are:

  • constantly putting a child down
  • humiliating or shaming a child
  • not showing love, support or guidance
  • continually ignoring or rejecting the child
  • exposing the child to family and domestic violence
  • threatening abuse or bullying a child
  • threats to harm loved ones, property or pets.

Possible signs of emotional abuse include when a child:

  • is very shy, fearful or afraid of doing something wrong
  • displays extremes of behaviour for example from being very aggressive to very passive
  • is not able to feel joy or happiness
  • is often anxious or distressed
  • feels worthless about life and themselves
  • has delayed emotional development.

Neglect

Neglect is when children do not receive adequate food or shelter, medical treatment, supervision, care or nurturance to such an extent that their development is damaged, or they are injured.

Neglect may be acute, episodic or chronic. Some examples are:

  • leaving a child alone without appropriate supervision
  • not ensuring the child attends school, or not enrolling the child at school
  • infection because of poor hygiene or lack of medication
  • not giving a child affection or emotional support
  • not getting medical help when required.

Signs of neglect in children include:

  • untreated sores, severe nappy rash
  • bad body odour, matted hair, dirty skin
  • being involved in serious accidents
  • being hungry and stealing food
  • often being tired, late for school or not attending school
  • feeling bad about themselves
  • when a baby does not meet physical and development milestones without there being underlying medical reasons.