1. Think about the types of harm

The harm may have already happened or may be something that might happen.

Examples of physical harm include:

• physical force that results in pain or injury to a child
• when a child is punched, slapped, choked, burned, or pushed
• throwing objects at a child

Examples of sexual harm include:

• involving a child in sexual activity
• exposing a child to pornography
• getting a child to take part in sex work or producing pornography

Examples of emotional harm include:

• when a child is yelled at, ignored, rejected, insulted, or isolated
• exposing a child to partner abuse
• threatening a child

Other examples of harm are:

• Where a parent isn't able to deal with a child who is causing serious injury to another person, or serious damage to another person's property.
• Where the child is at risk of harm because a parent:
  • has a history of harming children
  • isn't able to care for the child because of drug or alcohol abuse or mental health issues
  • has limited care giving skills

Harm can also include when a child's basic needs for things like food, shelter, sleep, or clothing are not being met. This is called neglect.