Child protection and safeguarding means protecting children from abuse, and identifying and stopping abuse that is already happening.
Abuse of a child or young person under the age of 18 is defined as follows.
Abuse is a deliberate act of ill-treatment that can harm or is likely to harm a child or young person’s safety, well-being and development. Abuse can be physical, sexual or emotional.
Neglect of a child or young person also constitutes abuse and can be defined as failing to provide or secure for a child or young person the basic needs of physical safety and well-being.
But remember that abuse may not fall easily into these categories. If you are in doubt, seek expert advice.