Preventing abuse

Most people want to love and care for their children, but parents can harm their children when stress, tiredness, lack of skills, information or support combine to make the pressures of caring for them overwhelming.

Understanding the behaviour of parents and the possible triggers does not justify harm to a child or young person.

Parents are responsible for the care of their children and need to recognise when they need help before harm occurs.

With early identification and an appropriate response and support, children and young people can recover from their experiences of harm.