Youth Employment

Keeping children safe

Safeguarding information provided by:

Everyone is responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

If you are unsure whether a child is suffering and are worried that the child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, the information below may help you decide whether the child is at risk:

Signs of physical abuse

  • any bruising to a baby – pre-walking stage
  • multiple bruising to different parts of the body
  • bruising of different colours, indicating repeated injuries
  • fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
  • burns of any shape or size
  • an injury for which there is no adequate explanation

Signs of sexual abuse

  • something a child has told you or told someone else
  • a child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
  • a child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
  • a child who may be visiting or being looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender

Signs of emotional abuse

These signs may be present in children whose parents are over-critical, emotionally distant, or unable to meet their child’s emotional needs:

  • excessive behaviour, such as excessive bedwetting, overeating, rocking, headbanging
  • self-harming, for example, cutting or scratching themselves or an overdose
  • attempt at suicide
  • persistently running away from home
  • high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
  • children who usually seek out or avoid affection

Signs of neglect

  • squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
  • parents who fail to attend to their children’s health or development needs
  • children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
  • children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
  • children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision

Contact

Portsmouth Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub:

Hampshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub:

  • phone 0300 555 1384 during office hours 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.
  • phone 0300 555 1373 at all other times to contact the Out of Hours service