Child abuse

A section with information about child abuse, how to report it, advice for perpetrators, identifying the signs and real life examples. 

In this section:

What is child abuse?

A page about child abuse, looking at physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.

Online child sexual abuse

Information about online child sexual abuse and how online grooming takes place.

Who is at risk and what are the signs

The signs that a child is a victim of abuse and information about reporting.

Responding to children who disclose abuse

Children sharing experience of sexual abuse (CSA), sexual violence and sexual harassment need to be responded to sensitively.

How to report child sexual abuse

Information about the different ways you can report child sexual abuse.

Keeping children safe online

Advice to help keep your child safe online.

Adult survivors of child abuse

Information for adult survivors, reporting to the police and the court process.

Lorraine's story

Account of a wife following husband's CSA charge and arrest.

Get Help or Get Caught

Information for perpetrators of child sexual abuse and how Police Scotland is investigating it.

Graham's story

Account of perpetrator post-arrest.

Neil's story

Account of perpetrator who addresses their behaviour pre-arrest.

The Sex Offender Community Disclosure

Police Scotland has created an online application form under the existing Sex Offender Community Disclosure Scheme to improve accessibility for an initial application to be made under the Scheme.