Physical Abuse
Recognising non-accidental physical injury in children and knowing how to respond appropriately.
What is this?
Physical abuse involves deliberately causing physical harm to a child. It includes hitting, shaking, throwing, burning, poisoning, or otherwise causing non-accidental physical injury. It may also involve fabricating or inducing illness in a child. Physical abuse causes both immediate harm and long-term psychological damage.
How it works
Physical abuse often occurs within the home but can also happen in institutional settings such as schools, sports clubs, or care settings. Abusers may minimise or explain away injuries. Children may not disclose abuse due to fear, loyalty, or because they have been told the injuries were their fault. Repeated physical abuse can cause serious and cumulative harm.
Warning signs
In your child's behaviour
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Prevention steps
Know the signs and take injuries seriously
Any unexplained or inconsistently explained injury in a child should prompt careful consideration and recording. Do not accept implausible explanations without seeking advice from your DSL or children's services.
Create a culture where children feel safe to speak
Children are more likely to disclose abuse in environments where they trust adults and where they know they will be believed. Pastoral and PSHE programmes play an important role in this.
Follow safer recruitment and supervision practices
Ensure that all adults working with children in your organisation have been appropriately DBS checked and that safeguarding training is up to date. Physical abuse can occur in institutional settings as well as in the home.
What to do if it happens
- 1If a child is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical attention, call 999. Do not delay seeking medical care while waiting for safeguarding processes.
- 2Inform your Designated Safeguarding Lead immediately. Record what you have observed with precise details, including the child's own words if they have made a disclosure.
- 3Do not photograph injuries yourself — this is the role of trained professionals. Do not wash or remove clothing from a child before medical examination.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10