Although growing up can be difficult, most children and young people receive the love and care they need to develop into healthy, happy young adults. But some children are hurt, neglected and used by adults or other children. Younger children may not be aware that what is happening to them is abuse.
Abuse can mean different things to different children, and can happen once or many times.
Hitting, kicking, beating with objects, throwing and shaking are all physical abuse, and can cause pain, cuts, bruising, broken bones and sometimes even death. Children might be encouraged to look at pornography, be harassed by sexual suggestions or comments, be touched sexually or forced to have sex against their wishes . They may be constantly criticised, blamed, sworn and shouted at, told that other people are better than they are and rejected by those they look to for affection.