Information about abuse and neglect

This information provides simple guidance about children who may need protection from harm. If you are worried about the welfare of any child, please contact the Contact and Referral Team on 0808 100 1727 immediately.

In an emergency or out of hours please contact Gwent Police or the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 3284432.

Signs of abuse

The following information may help you decide whether a child’s welfare is at risk of abuse or neglect. The lists are not exhaustive and if your concerns aren’t amongst them you should still discuss this with the Contact and Referral Team in Children’s Services.

What is child abuse leaflet (PDF, 361Kb)

Signs that may suggest physical abuse

  • Any bruise to a baby – pre walking stage
  • Multiple bruising to different parts of the body
  • Bruising of different colours indicating repeated injuries
  • Fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
  • Burns of any shape or size
  • An injury for which there is no adequate explanation

Signs of possible sexual abuse

  • Something a child has told you
  • Something a child has told someone else
  • A child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
  • A child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
  • A child who may be visiting or looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender

Signs that may suggest emotional harm

The following signs may be present in children whose parents are over critical, emotionally distant, unable to meet their children’s emotional needs or witnessing/experiencing domestic abuse.

  • Children whose behaviour is excessive. For example, excessive bedwetting, overeating, rocking, head banging
  • Children who self harm. For example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose
  • Children who attempt suicide
  • Children who persistently run away from home
  • Children who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
  • Children who unusually seek out or avoid affection

Signs that may suggest neglect

  • Squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
  • Parents who fail to attend to their children’s health or development needs
  • Children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
  • Children who appear continually tired or lacking in energy
  • Children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision