📘 A–Z Mental Health Modules Abuse, Trauma, and Mental Health (Integrated Section) (Survivor-centred • Child-centred • Easy Read adaptable) This section is designed to sit within your A–Z mental health training, with clear safeguarding language.

 

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A – Abuse (Including Child Abuse)

What Is Abuse?

Abuse is when someone uses power to hurt or control another person.

Abuse can be:

• emotional

• physical

• sexual

• psychological

• neglect

Abuse can happen to children and adults.

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Child Abuse (Very Important)

Child abuse is when an adult or older child harms a child.

This includes:

• sexual abuse

• physical harm

• emotional harm

• neglect

Children do not cause abuse.
Children do not invite abuse.
Children cannot consent to abuse.

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Why Child Abuse Is So Hidden

Young children:

• do not understand what is happening

• may not have words to explain

• may be scared of getting into trouble

• may be threatened or manipulated

• may be told it is “a secret”

This is why abuse can go on for a long time.

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Sexual Abuse of Children

Sexual abuse is when a child is involved in sexual acts they do not understand and cannot agree to.

It can be:

• touching

• exposure

• online abuse

• exploitation

Most abuse is done by someone the child knows, not strangers.

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How Abuse Affects Children’s Mental Health

Abuse can affect a child’s:

• sense of safety

• trust in adults

• emotions

• learning

• behaviour

Later in life, this may show as:

• anxiety

• depression

• PTSD

• self-blame

• difficulty with relationships

These are injuries, not weaknesses.

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Abuse Is About Power and Control

Research shows abuse happens because:

• the abuser wants power

• the abuser wants control

• the abuser chooses secrecy

Children are targeted because they are vulnerable.

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Important Truth

Abuse is not:

• love

• discipline

• a mistake

• caused by stress

Abuse is a choice.

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Signs a Child May Be Struggling

Children may show abuse through:

• behaviour changes

• fear

• withdrawal

• regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)

• anger or distress

• sexualised behaviour beyond their age

Children often show, not tell.

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Adult Responsibility

It is never the child’s job to:

• explain clearly

• report properly

• go to the police

• protect themselves

Adults must:

• listen

• notice

• believe

• act

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Safeguarding Matters

Safeguarding means:

• protecting children from harm

• acting early

• reporting concerns

• putting safety first

Silence protects abusers — not children.

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T – Trauma

Trauma is what happens inside a person when something overwhelming happens.

Children’s trauma may:

• stay hidden

• come out later in life

Trauma-informed care means:

• safety

• trust

• choice

• patience

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P – PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

PTSD can develop after abuse.

It may include:

• flashbacks

• nightmares

• fear

• emotional numbness

Children and adults can both experience PTSD.

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D – Dissociation

Dissociation is when the mind “disconnects” to cope.

This is common in children who cannot escape abuse.

It is a survival response.

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S – Safeguarding and Support

Support can include:

• trusted adults

• counselling

• trauma-informed therapy

• child protection services

Getting help is not betrayal.
It is protection.

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Key Message for the A–Z

• Children cannot protect themselves

• Children cannot report like adults

• Abuse thrives on silence

• Understanding abuse helps stop it