The Four Statutory Categories of Child Abuse
Defined in Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 (Annex B) and KCSIE 2025 (Part 1). All four categories may be present simultaneously; emotional abuse is present in virtually every case.
Emotional Abuse
Most commonThe persistent emotional maltreatment of a child that causes severe and persistent adverse effects on the child's emotional development. Present in virtually every other form of abuse.
Physical Abuse
Statutory categoryPhysical harm inflicted on a child, including hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating, or fabricating illness (FII).
Sexual Abuse
Statutory categoryInvolving a child in sexual activity they do not understand, are not able to give informed consent to, or that violates social and legal taboos. Includes both contact and non-contact abuse.
Neglect
Most prevalentThe persistent failure to meet a child's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in serious impairment of health or development. Accounts for almost half of all child protection plans.
Statutory note: Working Together 2026 (Annex B) clarifies that abuse may be carried out by an adult or another child; physical and emotional abuse may occur without direct physical contact. A child can suffer more than one form of abuse simultaneously.
Child-Specific Abuse Types
Forms of abuse that disproportionately or exclusively affect children, including exploitation, abuse by peers, and abuse within care contexts.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Sexual abuse where an element of exchange — gifts, money, affection, status — is perceived by the child. Includes boyfriend/loverboy, organised abuse, and online exploitation.
Peer-on-Peer Abuse
Abuse perpetrated by children against other children. Includes sexual violence, harassment, bullying, coercive control, sexting, and IBSA (image-based abuse).
Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII)
A form of child abuse where a parent or carer exaggerates, fabricates, or deliberately induces illness in a child. Also known as perplexing presentations or Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) / County Lines
Where a child is manipulated or forced into criminal activity. County lines is the most prevalent form — children coerced into transporting drugs across geographical boundaries.
Domestic Abuse (Impact on Children)
Children living with domestic abuse are defined as victims in their own right under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Witnessing abuse causes lasting psychological harm.
Online Grooming and CSA
Offenders build trust online before exploiting children sexually. Governed by the Online Safety Act 2023 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (s.15A).
Contextual and Cultural Abuse
Forms of abuse linked to cultural practices, community contexts, or specific legislation. Each carries mandatory reporting or specific statutory duties.
Honour-Based Abuse (HBA)
Violence or abuse committed in defence of perceived family or community "honour". Includes physical, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse and is a criminal offence in England and Wales.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
All forms of FGM are illegal in the UK (FGM Act 2003). Regulated professionals working with children have a mandatory duty to report known FGM to the police under s.5B of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
Forced Marriage
A criminal offence since 2014. Distinct from arranged marriage — forced marriage involves coercion. The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) handled over 2,000 cases in 2023/24.
Modern Slavery and Trafficking
Includes human trafficking, forced labour, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 applies; children should be referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
Radicalisation (Prevent)
Exposure to extremist ideology can be a safeguarding concern. The Prevent duty (Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015) applies to schools and other specified authorities.
Sexually Harmful Behaviour (SHB)
Sexual behaviour displayed by children that is harmful to themselves or others. Includes a spectrum from age-inappropriate sexual play to serious sexual offending. Requires trauma-informed assessment.
Adult Safeguarding Categories
The Care Act 2014 defines ten categories of adult abuse. These often co-occur with child safeguarding concerns — a parent who is a victim of domestic abuse, financial abuse, or elder abuse may have children at risk.
Domestic Abuse
Defined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as abusive behaviour between persons aged 16+ who are personally connected. Includes coercive and controlling behaviour, economic abuse, and psychological abuse.
Financial Abuse
The theft, fraud, misuse, or misappropriation of money, property, or financial resources. Often targets older adults, those with learning disabilities, or people in care settings.
Elder Abuse
A single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.
Self-Neglect and Hoarding
Recognised as an adult safeguarding category under the Care Act 2014. May overlap with mental health concerns, domestic abuse, or substance misuse. Often a child safeguarding concern too.
Other Care Act 2014 categories
- ● Physical abuse (also child safeguarding)
- ● Sexual abuse (also child safeguarding)
- ● Psychological/emotional abuse
- ● Discriminatory abuse
- ● Organisational abuse
- ● Modern slavery (also child safeguarding)
Source: Care Act 2014 Statutory Guidance, Chapter 14
Key Articles on Abuse
Referral Pathways
If a child or adult is in immediate danger
Call 999 immediately. Do not delay to gather information or consult others.
- 1. Speak to the DSL — the Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for making referrals. If unavailable, go to the DDSL or a senior leader.
- 2. Contact children's social care — for concerns about a child. Use the local MASH (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub) — find yours at your Local Authority website.
- 3. Consult the NSPCC — if unsure whether to refer, call the NSPCC helpline for guidance: 0808 800 5000.
- 4. Record in writing — document your concerns using the child's words. Do not investigate yourself.
Key contacts by abuse type