Types of Abuse
Physical Child Abuse |
Child Sexual Abuse |
Critical Information
Physical child abuse can consist of any non-accidental infliction of physical violence on a child by any person. Examples of physical abuse may include beating, shaking or burning, assault with implements and female genital mutilation (FGM). What are the physical indicators of physical child abuse? Physical indicators of physical child abuse include (but are not limited to):
What are the behavioural indicators of physical child abuse? Behavioural indicators of physical child abuse include (but are not limited to):
Please note that physical harm may also be caused by student fights and/or bullying. For advice on:
GroomingCritical Information
What is grooming? Grooming is when a person engages in predatory conduct to prepare a child for sexual activity at a later time. Grooming can include communicating and/or attempting to befriend or establish a relationship or other emotional connection with the child or their parent/carer. Sometimes it is hard to see when someone is being groomed until after they have been sexually abused, because some grooming behaviour can look like "normal" caring behaviour. Examples of grooming behaviours may include:
What is online grooming? Online grooming is a criminal offence and occurs when an adult uses electronic communication (including social media) in a predatory fashion to try to lower a child’s inhibitions, or heighten their curiosity regarding sex, with the aim of eventually meeting them in person for the purposes of sexual activity. This can include online chats, sexting, and other interactions. Any incidents of suspected grooming must be reported by following the Four Critical Actions for Schools: Responding to Incidents, Disclosures or Suspicions of Child Abuse. Online grooming can also precede online child exploitation, a form of sexual abuse where adults use the internet or a mobile to communicate sexual imagery with or of a child (e.g. via a webcam). Any incidents of suspected online child exploitation must be reported. For more information about:
What are the behavioural indicators that a child may be subject to grooming? BEHAVIOURAL indicators that a child may be subject to grooming include (but are not limited to):
Emotional Child AbuseCritical Information
What is emotional abuse? Emotional child abuse occurs when a child is repeatedly rejected, isolated or frightened by threats, or by witnessing family violence. It also includes hostility, derogatory name-calling and put-downs, and persistent coldness from a person, to the extent that the child suffers, or is likely to suffer, emotional or psychological harm to their physical or developmental health. Emotional abuse may occur with or without other forms of abuse. What are the physical indicators of emotional child abuse? PHYSICAL indicators of emotional abuse include (but are not limited to):
What are the behavioural indicators of emotional child abuse? BEHAVIOURAL indicators of emotional abuse include (but are not limited to):
NeglectCritical Information
What is neglect? Neglect includes a failure to provide the child with an adequate standard of nutrition, medical care, clothing, shelter or supervision to the extent that the health or physical development of the child is significantly impaired or placed at serious risk. In some circumstances the neglect of a child:
What are the physical indicators of neglect? PHYSICAL indicators of neglect include (but are not limited to):
What are the behavioural indicators of neglect? BEHAVIOURAL indicators of neglect include (but are not limited to):
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Warning
The following sections include explicit descriptions of abuse and may be distressing to engage with for some staff members. If you need to talk to someone, it is recommended that you speak to the school leadership team about arranging appropriate support. You can also talk to your GP or another allied health professional. Government school staff can also contact the Employee Assistance Program on 1300 361 008. Critical Information
Child sexual abuse: You must follow the Four Critical Actions for Schools: Responding to Incidents, Disclosures or Suspicions of Child Abuse if you suspect that a: Unwanted sexual behaviour towards a student by a child 10 years or over can constitute a sexual offence and is referred to as student-to-student sexual offending.
Child sexual abuse:
What is child sexual exploitation? Child sexual exploitation is also a form of sexual abuse where offenders use their power (physical, financial or emotional) over a child to sexually or emotionally abuse them. It often involves situations and relationships where young people receive something (food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money etc.) in return for participating in sexual activities. Child sexual exploitation can occur in person or online, and sometimes the child may not even realise they are a victim. For more information on sexting and the transmission of sexual images between students, see: Bully Stoppers - Sexting http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/teachres.aspx Who is most at risk of child sexual abuse? Any child can be victim to sexual abuse, however children who are vulnerable, isolated and/or have a disability are much more likely to become victim, and are disproportionately abused. Who are the common perpetrators of child sexual abuse? Child sexual abuse is most commonly perpetrated by someone who is known to, and trusted by the child (and often someone highly trusted within their families, communities, schools and/or other institutions). See: advice on identifying perpetrators of child sexual abuse. (below) Perpetrators can include (but are not limited to):
Please note that a child who is under 10 years of age is not considered to be capable of committing an offence. Any suspected sexual behaviour displayed by children under 10 is referred to as problem sexual behaviour. What are the physical indicators of child sexual abuse? PHYSICAL indicators of sexual abuse include (but are not limited to):
What are the behavioural indicators of child sexual abuse? BEHAVIOURAL indicators of sexual abuse include (but are not limited to):
How can I identify perpetrators of child sexual abuse? In addition to identifying the physical and behavioural signs of abuse within children, you can play a critical role in identifying signs that a member of the school community may be engaging in child sexual abuse, or grooming a child for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. Most critically you must follow the Four Critical Actions for Schools if you:
You must report suspected abuse, or risk of abuse regardless of any concerns about the risk to the reputation of the suspected perpetrator or school. A failure to report can result in criminal charges and your report could prove critical to protecting children in your care. What are the behavioural indicators for perpetrators of child sexual abuse? In many cases the signs that an adult is sexually abusing (or grooming a child with the intent of sexually abusing them) may not be obvious. However there are a number of signs to look for. BEHAVIOURAL indicators for perpetrators of child sexual abuse include (but are not limited to): Family Member (adult)
Family Member (sibling)
School staff member, coach or other carer
Family ViolenceCritical Information
What is family violence? Family violence is behaviour towards a family member that may include:
The longer a child experiences or is exposed to family violence, the more harmful it is. This is why, if you suspect that a child is exposed to, or at risk of being exposed to family violence, it is critical to follow the Four Critical Actions for Schools: Responding to Incidents, Disclosures or Suspicions of Child Abuse. What are the physical indicators of family violence? PHYSICAL indicators of family violence include (but are not limited to):
What are the behavioural indicators of family violence? BEHAVIOURAL indicators of family violence include (but are not limited to):
For older children and young people indicators can also include:
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