No child deserves to be abused. Here are different forms of child abuse that exist - including physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse occurs when a child is physically injured by non-accidental means.

Some examples that would be classified as abuse are:

• excessive discipline or punishment
• forceful shaking (of children below 5 years old)
• burning, tying up or slapping the child
• giving alcohol or unsuitable drugs
• trying to suffocate the child

Emotional/ Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse refers to the significant impairment of a child's social, emotional, cognitive and intellectual development, and/or disturbances of the child's behaviour. This may result from behaviours such as persistent hostility, ignoring, blaming, discriminating or blatant rejection of the child.

Some examples that could be classified as abuse are:

• telling the child that he or she is useless or worthless
• rejecting the child physically and emotionally
• verbally abusing and threatening the child

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs when a child is exploited for sexual gratification or made to do a sexual activity by an adult. It also includes exposing a child to forms of sexual acts or pornographic materials.

Sexual assault is a crime even if it is committed by a family member. The offender is likely to repeat the crime if nothing is done to stop him.

Examples of sexual abuse are:

• having sex with a child
• failure to protect the child from sexual advances
• fondling a child's private parts
• exposing the child to forms of sexual acts or pornographic materials.

Neglect

Neglect is the deliberate denial of a child's basic needs.

Some examples that would be classified as abuse are:

• failure to give the child adequate food
• failure to provide the child shelter or clothing
• denying the child proper medical care and supervision
• forcing the child to do things not appropriate for his or her age