Child abuse is a behaviour that causes harm or distress to a child. It can be physical or mental and can also involve neglect.

Abuse may be intentional, but this is not always the case. It can result from negligence or ignorance. It may be a one-off occurrence or an ongoing and persistent experience.

Abuse is always a violation of the person’s fundamental human or civil rights.

Abuse always involves the misuse of power to harm another person. Abuse is never the victim’s fault, although sometimes the perpetrator will tell them that it is. It is important to gently but clearly express to the victim that they are not to blame.