Child Abuse

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is an activity (including by a parent or caregiver) towards a child that harms or endangers the child’s physical, psychological or emotional health or development.

Child abuse can include:

  •  physical abuse: punching, slapping, kicking, shaking, biting, throwing and burning;
  •  emotional or psychological abuse: constant criticism, teasing, ignoring, yelling, rejection and exposure to domestic and family violence;
  •  neglect: failing to meet the child's basic needs for adequate supervision, food, clothing, shelter, safety, hygiene, medical care and education; or
  •  sexual abuse: any act or threat to a child that is inappropriate sexually. It includes deliberate and inappropriate intimate touching, language or actions.

    Child abuse can happen anywhere: at home, at school, at your friend's house, at church or at a child-care centre. 

    Is child abuse against the law?

    Yes. You do not have to put up with child abuse. It is OK to complain.

    If you are scared that you will be abused, you should report this to the authorities. The law will protect you if you let the authorities know about what is happening.

    Is it ok for my parents to physically punish me if I’ve done something wrong?

    The law says that your parents are allowed to use physical punishment on you but only if it is moderate and reasonable.

    Whether the physical punishment is moderate and reasonable will depend on a number of factors including:

    • your age;

    the instrument used for punishment;

  • where on your body you have been hit;
  • the force used and the number of times you have been hit;
  • the reason for the punishment;
  • your size and health; and
  • the consequences of the punishment (e.g. whether you’ve been injured).

    If you feel that you are being punished too harshly, too often or are constantly scared of being punished, you should contact someone for help.

    How many children are abused in Australia?

    There are roughly over 50,000 reports of child abuse investigated in Australia each year. That could be over 100 children a day.

    What should I do if I’m being abused or scared that I will be abused?

    Tell an adult. This adult could be your teacher, counselor or a police officer – someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

    Tell a friend or someone you trust and feel safe with about the things that are happening to you. You don’t have to go through it alone. You’ll find that talking about the problem will help.

    If you’re in immediate danger of being hurt or abused, you should go to a secure place like a shop, a safety house, a police station or a medical centre.

    Some numbers you can call for help are:

    • Care and Protection Services Centralised Intake Services: 1300 556 729
    • Child Abuse Prevention Service (CAPS): 1800 688 009 (24 hours)
    • Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 (24 hours)
    • Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24 hours)

    Last updated July 2009


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