Safeguarding

Safeguarding of Children and Young people.
Child abuse is more than bruise or broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. The earlier abused children get the help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle. Ignoring children’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, or making a child feel worthless or stupid are also abuse. Regardless of the type of abuse, the result is serious emotional damage.
Children need predictability, stability, routine, clear boundaries, and knowing their parents love them and will protect them for the child to flourish and be happy. Without these the world is a scary unpredictable place for a child to live. Child abuse can make the child feel unsafe, unloved, uncared for and alone.
Signs, symptoms and indicators of abuse are not always easily recognisable and may not necessarily be an indicator of abuse. Some of the common warning signs of abuse and neglect include:
Emotional Abuse;
‘Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me’ may be an old saying but it is not true. Emotional abuse can severely damage a child’s mental health or social development, leaving life long psychological scars. Examples include:
• Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious of doing something wrong
• Extremes of behaviour
• Doesn’t seem to be attached to parent(s) or primary care giver.
Physical Abuse:
Physical abuse involves physical harm to the child, whether intentionally or not. It can be the result of severe discipline, or physical punishment that is not appropriate for the child’s age.   Many physically abusive parents believe their actions are forms of discipline but there is a big difference between discipline and abuse. Discipline should be used to learn right from wrong not to be scared of their parents. Examples of physical abuse include:
• Frequent injuries or explained bruising,...