As someone who cares for a child, you will know the positive impact your safeguarding, a happy and loving home life and community can have on children. Unfortunately, not all children have the same start in life.
Whilst most children across Wales are happy and healthy, we know that there are too many that are not, so we need everyone’s help to identify these children as quickly as possible and that means we need your help in achieving this.
Knowing the signs
We all have a responsibility to report any knowledge, concerns or suspicions that a child is suffering, has suffered or is likely to be at risk of harm. Please make sure that any concerns that you have are referred to Social Services or the Police, who have statutory duties and powers to make enquiries and intervene when necessary. This is not a matter for individual choice.
Here are some of the most common signs* of abuse and to look out for:
- Withdrawn from every day life
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Acting unusually in social settings
- Attendance at school is affected
- Regular unexplained bruises or injuries
- Frightened or scared of adults
*These signs are not always a result of incidents of abuse or neglect, these are also not the only signs of abuse.
If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child report them to Social Services.
