RCGP Safeguarding toolkit
The aim of this toolkit is to enhance the safeguarding knowledge and skills that GPs already have to enable them to continue to effectively safeguard children and young people, as well as adults at risk of harm.
Part 2A: Identification of abuse and neglect
Types of child abuse and neglect
Statutory guidance across the four countries of the UK describes four main categories of abuse, and these definitions will normally be reflected in local organisations’ policies and procedures. The four main categories are: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.
There are a number of different types of child abuse which sit under the umbrella of the four main categories above. There can be significant overlap and children may experience more than one type of abuse at any one time. The different types include:
- physical abuse
- neglect
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse
- child sexual exploitation
- harmful sexual behaviour
- domestic abuse
- bullying and cyberbullying
- online abuse
- child trafficking
- female genital mutilation (FGM)
- criminal exploitation and gangs
- grooming
- fabricated or induced illness
- radicalisation
- child abuse linked to faith or belief.
References
- HM Government. Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023. 2023.
- NSPCC. Types of abuse. 2024.