'Keeping kids safe and secure' booklet

Child abuse and neglect

Parenting can be exciting, rewarding and life changing. It can also be relentless, challenging and stressful.

Common problems, which are not sorted out, can lead to situations where children are harmed, such as:

• conflict between adults
• drug and alcohol abuse
• mental health problems.

These kinds of problems are not limited to anyone in particular - they occur right across society.

And they get worse where there is isolation, stress and lack of support.

Understanding the behaviours and situations that can lead to abuse and neglect can help us stop it from happening.

"I could tell she was really ill. Drunk and ill. I gave her a hug and said, 'When you're ready, come and find me'. A few weeks later, she did."
Nanny, 59