Child abuse can happen to children from any family background.  It inlcudes:

• physical abuse (punching, kicking, hairpulling, belting, caning, slapping around the head or face etc)
• sexual abuse (inappropriate touching, intercourse, abuse with objects)
• mental abuse (constant undermining of child's self-respect or mental health)
• neglect (failing to care for the child's physical and mental wellbeing, for example, by leaving child alone at home for long periods, failing to provide adequate food, clothing and shelter).

If this is happening to you, please click here.

If you think this is happening to someone you know, please click here.

If you would like information on our child protection guidelines, Edinburgh and Lothian Child Protection Procedures (June 2007).  REMEMBER, WE ALL HAVE A DUTY TO PROTECT CHILDREN.  IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT A CHILD, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US OR THE POLICE STRAIGHT AWAY.

Contact us:

Social Work

• Children's Services - 01875 824 090
• EMERGENCY SOCIAL WORK SERVICE - out of office hours and weekends - 0800 731 6969

Police

• Haddington 01620 824101
• Musselburgh 0131 665 9696
• North Berwick 01620 893585
• Prestonpans 01875 810250
• Tranent 01875 610333
• Dunbar 01368 862718.