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Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact our Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].
Our voice Helpline is available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday. You can email [email protected] at any time for free. You have the option to remain anonymous.
If we have not yet responded to you and your concerns for the safety of a child increase, please contact the police or local Children’s Services directly. Please be assured that we'll action all contacts that our Helpline receives.
Under 18?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
Spotting the signs of child abuse
The signs of child abuse can be hard to spot. We can help you to recognise the signs of abuse and support you if you have concerns about a child.
What are the signs of child abuse?
The signs of child abuse aren't always obvious, and a child might not feel able to tell anyone what's happening to them. Sometimes, children don't even realise that what's happening to them is abuse.
There are different types of child abuse and the signs that a child is being abused may depend on the type. For example, the signs that a child is being neglected may be different from the signs that a child is being abused sexually. Children of different ages may also show different signs of child abuse. For example, a toddler will show different signs that they've been sexually abused than a teenager.
Common signs of child abuse
Some common signs that there may be something concerning happening in a child’s life include:
- unexplained changes in behaviour or personality
- becoming withdrawn
- seeming anxious
- becoming uncharacteristically aggressive
- lacks social skills and has few friends, if any
- poor bond or relationship with a parent
- knowledge of adult issues inappropriate for their age
- running away or going missing
- always choosing to wear clothes which cover their body.
These signs don’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused, there could be other things happening in their life which are affecting their behaviour – but we can help you to assess the situation.
You may also notice some concerning behaviour from adults who you know have children in their care, which makes you concerned for the child/children’s safety and wellbeing.
Worried about a child?
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected]
Handling difficult conversations with adults
Having difficult conversations with other adults can feel hard, especially if it’s about a child’s safety or welfare.
But we’ve got advice to help these conversations feel easier, as well as what to do if you feel a conversation may not be enough.
