Safeguarding Children and Young People
What is abuse and where can I get help?
 Abuse can happen to anyone. It does not matter, for example, how old you are, whether you are a boy or a girl, or where you live. |
 What is abuse?
Abuse can be:
- When someone hurts you or treats you badly.
- When someone does or says things to make you upset or frightened.
Abuse is always wrong. Abuse is not your fault. |
Types of Abuse
 |
Physical abuse
When someone hurts your body. This could be someone who:
- Bites you
- Hits you
- Kicks you
- Pulls your hair
- Pinches or scratches you
- Burns you
- Gives you a cold shower or bath
|
 |
Sexual abuse
- When someone touches your private parts or other parts of your body in a way you do not like or want.
- It is also when someone makes you do sexual things that make you sad, angry, or frightened.
This can be when someone:
- Kisses you without asking
- Touches your bottom or breast
- Makes you touch them
- Has sex with you when you do not want them to
- Makes you look at pictures or watch films of a sexual nature.
|
 |
Neglect
This is when people who are there to help you do not look after you properly. This includes:
- Not giving you enough food
- Not keeping you warm
- Not keeping you safe
- Not giving you your medication when you need it
- Giving you the wrong medication
- Not having clean clothes to wear
|
 |
Child Sexual Exploitation
Someone might offer you things like food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, or money.
But this is in return for taking part in sexual acts.
|
 |
Child Criminal Exploitation
Someone might offer you things like food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gifts, and money.
Or might offer you affection, respect, status, or protection.
But this is in return for committing a criminal act.
|
 |
The NSPCC also identifies other types of abuse such as:
Bullying and cyberbullying, Child Trafficking, Domestic Abuse, Female Genital mutilation, Grooming, Non-recent abuse, and Online abuse.
Staff are trained to help keep you safe from all forms of abuse, talk to us if you have any concerns or questions
|
 |
Where can abuse happen?
Abuse can happen in many places. These include:
In the house or home where you live
- In hospital
- At a day centre
- At work
- On transport
- In the street
|
 |
Who can abuse you?
You could be abused by someone you know. These people might be:
- Members of your family
- Neighbours or friends
- People paid to provide care or services
- Other people who use the services
- Volunteers
- Strangers
|
 |
Who can help?
If someone is abusing you or you think someone else is being abused you must tell someone you trust.
This could be:
- Someone in your family
- A social worker or support worker
- A friend
- An advocate or advocacy group
- A police officer
- A doctor or nurse
|
What to do if you feel you are being abused
 |
Talk to the staff who support you or the Manager or Senior on Duty.
|
 |
Telephone
01723 374819
|
 |
Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
|
 |
Write a letter:
The Registered Manager
Scarborough and District Mencap
Brookleigh
60 Valley Road,
Scarborough, YO11 2JE
|
ABUSE IS WRONG – SPEAK OUT
YOU MUST ALWAYS TELL SOMEONE. DO NOT IGNORE IT, REPORT IT.
