Behaviours That May Constitute Child Abuse #
Recognising possible child abuse is not always straightforward. Community Supporter Groups should understand when to seek guidance and where to find reliable information.
At a glance #
- Severity, frequency and context are important when assessing many behaviours.
- Some behaviours always constitute child abuse regardless of context.
- If there is no immediate risk of harm and you are unsure, seek advice before making a report.
Understanding behaviours of concern #
Determining whether a behaviour constitutes child abuse or neglect is not always straightforward. Community Supporter Groups may find it helpful to refer to this list of behaviours, which contains an excerpt from guidance developed by the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian.
The behaviours listed may, but do not always, constitute child abuse. For some behaviours, such as yelling at a child, factors including severity, frequency and context should be considered. Other behaviours, including sexual contact involving a child, constitute child abuse regardless of the circumstances.
Considering culture and seeking guidance #
Parenting practices differ across cultures. While some parenting behaviours that may be accepted in other countries are clearly against Australian law, others may differ from common Australian practices without being unlawful.
Where there is no immediate threat of harm and there is uncertainty about whether a behaviour should be reported, Community Supporter Group members may choose to discuss the matter with other group members or seek guidance from CRSA before making a report to the relevant authority.
“Child safety should always come first. When concerns arise, seek guidance promptly and respond in the child’s best interests.”
