Ref.21 - Devon County Council Social Services 2001 Devon County Council Social Sevices website. Please use the links below. Introduction M embers of the public, parents or relations sometimes become concerned about children in their community, family or children in other families that they know. This leaflet explains some of the possible signs of child abuse and advises those involved about what action should be taken to protect children. Parents may also wish to make a direct contact with the Social Worker, if one is already known to them.
T here are many different types of child abuse and many ways in which abuse can occur.
It can happen to children at any stage of development from birth until they are able to act independently. In law, young people are children up to their 18th birthday. This can involve hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning and biting. It also includes giving a child poisonous substances, inappropriate drugs and alcohol, and attempted suffocation or drowning. In some cases, excessive force may be used when feeding, or changing a child's nappy.