Signs, symptoms and effects of child abuse and neglect What to look out for, the effects of abuse and support for adults abused as children
The signs of child abuse aren't always obvious, and a child might not tell anyone what's happening to them.
Children might be scared that the abuser will find out, and worried that the abuse will get worse. Or they might think that there’s no-one they can tell or that they won’t be believed.
Sometimes, children don't even realise that what's happening is abuse.
The effects of abuse may be short term or may last a long time - sometimes into adulthood. Adults who were abused as children may need advice and support.
Worried about a child?
Contact our trained helpline counsellors for help, advice and support.
How to tell whether behaviour is normal for their age
Children develop and mature at different rates. So what’s worrying for a younger child, might be normal behaviour for an older child. If a child looks or acts a lot older or younger than their age, this could be a cause for concern.
However, if a child develops more slowly than others of a similar age and there’s not a cause such as physical or learning disabilities, it could be a sign they’re being abused.
- Talks of being left home alone or with strangers.
- Poor bond or relationship with a parent, also known as attachment.
- Acts out excessive violence with other children.
- Lacks social skills and has few if any friends.
- Doesn’t cry or respond to parent’s presence or absence from an early age
- Reaches developmental milestones late, such as learning to speak, with no medical reason
- Significantly underweight but eats well when given food.
- Becomes secretive and reluctant to share information.
- Reluctant to go home after school.
- Unable to bring friends home or reluctant for professionals to visit the family home.
- Poor school attendance and punctuality, or late being picked up.
- Parents show little interest in child’s performance and behaviour at school.
- Parents are dismissive and non-responsive to professional concerns.
- Is reluctant to get changed for sports etc.
- Wets or soils the bed.
- Drinks alcohol regularly from an early age.
- Is concerned for younger siblings without explaining why.
- Becomes secretive and reluctant to share information.
- Talks of running away.
- Shows challenging/disruptive behaviour at school.
- Is reluctant to get changed for sports etc.
"I even felt lonely when mum and dad were in the house because mentally they were completely out of it."
Read Sophie's story
What to do if you suspect abuse
Adults who were abused as children
Children who have been abused or neglected may experience physical or emotional harm. The effects can be short term but sometimes they last into adulthood. If someone has been abused as a child, it is more likely that they will suffer abuse again. This is known as revictimisation.
Long term effects of abuse and neglect include:
- emotional difficulties such as anger, anxiety, sadness or low self-esteem
- mental health problems such as depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self harm, suicidal thoughts
- problems with drugs or alcohol
- disturbing thoughts, emotions and memories that cause distress or confusion
- poor physical health such as obesity, aches and pains
- struggling with parenting or relationships
- worrying that their abuser is still a threat to themselves or others
- learning difficulties, lower educational attainment, difficulties in communicating
- behavioural problems including anti-social behaviour, criminal behaviour.
Working with the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)
We’ve worked in partnership with NAPAC since December 2012 to help provide 24/7 support to survivors of child abuse. Our helpline practitioners provide immediate support and advice 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and direct people to NAPAC for further help.
Signs, symptoms and effects for different types of abuse
Domestic abuse
Find out about the signs, symptoms and effects of children witnessing domestic abuse or experiencing violence in their own relationships.
Sexual abuse
Find out more about the signs, symptoms and effects of child sexual abuse
Physical abuse
Find out about the signs, symptoms and effects of physical abuse and non-accidental head injuries.
Non-recent abuse
The effects of non-recent abuse and support for adults abused as children.
Online abuse and bullying
Find out about the sign, symptoms and effects of online abuse.
Child trafficking
Find out about the signs, symptoms and effects of child trafficking.
Emotional abuse
Find out more about the signs, symptoms and effects of emotional abuse and emotional neglect.
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
Find out the signs, symptoms and effects of female genital mutilation.
Core info: recognise the physical signs of abuse and neglect
Core info leaflet series
View our full series of Core info leaflets covering different physical signs of child abuse and neglect. Each leaflet summarises what we know from systematic reviews of published research.
What we do about child abuse and neglect
Childline
Childline is our free, confidential helpline for children and young people. Whenever children need us, Childline is there for them – by phone, email or live chat.
Donate now
In the average primary school class, at least 2 children have suffered abuse or neglect. Donate now and help protect children today and prevent abuse from happening tomorrow.
Working with schools
Work or volunteer with children and families?
Visit NSPCC Learning for information, resources and training to help you safeguard and protect children and young people across the UK.
Call the NSPCC helpline
If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact our professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Call us or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
Childline
Childline is our free, confidential helpline for children and young people. Whenever children need us, Childline is there for them – by phone, email or live chat.
Child Trafficking Advice Centre
If you work with children or young people who may have been trafficked into the UK, contact our specialist service for information and advice.
Call us or email help@nspcc.org.uk for more information.
FGM helpline
Helpline offering advice, information and support to anyone concerned that a child's welfare is at risk because of female genital mutilation.
Modern Slavery helpline
Anyone with concerns that a child or adult is a victim of slavery can contact this helpline. The NSPCC is working together with the Government in a bid to help identify victims of slavery. The service is wholly funded by the Home Office.
Work or volunteer with children and families?
Visit NSPCC Learning for information, resources and training to help you safeguard and protect children and young people across the UK.
Our Impact and evidence series
Our Impact and evidence series presents findings from our research into what works in preventing child abuse and neglect. Through sharing our evaluation findings we hope to improve services for children and families.