What is Child Abuse

Child abuse can be when someone does something harmful, or does not provide for or protect, a child or young person.  Child abuse can cause long-lasting emotional, physical and behavioural damage.

Sport is a particularly vulnerable area for potential child abuse because it:

• involves a large number of people under the age of 18
• can involve overnight and away trips (e.g. training camps or competitions)
• usually involves close relationships between adults and children, where the adults are in positions of trust and able to assert authority and power over children.

This section provides information on:

• Types of child abuse
• Indicators of child abuse