Ambulance 912HAP 9252
Back to all symptoms and conditions
General health information

Child abuse

Child abuse may be physical, emotional or sexual, or involve neglect. Children do not always show clear signs. Safety comes first when there are concerns. Listen calmly, avoid leading questions and do not initiate a dangerous confrontation. Call 912 for a threat to life. For urgent medical assessment outside office hours, call HAP 9252. In other situations, a GP can help identify a safe next step the same day.

In this article
Choose which sections to read

  • Child abuse may be physical, emotional or sexual, or involve neglect.
  • You do not need certainty about everything to take concerns seriously.
  • Safety and medical assessment take priority over gathering evidence.
  • Listen calmly and factually, without pressure or leading questions.
  • Do not impulsively confront a suspected perpetrator if this could immediately increase danger to the child.

Your response

Two anonymous questions

Did you find what you were looking for?

Do you now have a clearer idea of your next step?

Share article

Email

Do you need a healthcare provider after reading?

Search by type of care, organisation, name or district.

Further reading

Browse A–Z
A
A child going to hospitalGood preparation matters when a child needs hospital care. Child-friendly explanations, a calm parent and clear arrangements help reduce stress. Watch for deterioration on the journey and after discharge. For a threat to life, call 912; for urgent assessment outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
S
Suicidal thoughtsSuicidal thoughts can arise when pain, despair or problems seem unbearable. You do not have to carry this alone: tell someone you trust today and seek professional help. For immediate danger, call Ambulance 912; for urgent family-doctor care outside office hours, call HAP 9252.
P
Pulmonary embolismA pulmonary embolism is a blood clot lodged in a lung blood vessel. It can cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing or a fast heartbeat. Signs of a leg thrombosis, such as pain or swelling in one leg, may also be present. A severe pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening. If suspected while you are stable, call your GP the same day or HAP 9252 outside office hours. For severe breathlessness, chest pain with collapse or fainting, call Ambulance 912 immediately.