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Complicated words...
Here are explanations of words that appear within Ask Harry that you may be unfamiliar with. If there are any words that you think are missing from the list, please let Harry know by clicking here with the subject complicated words or write to Slippery Fish (for address please see the contact us page).
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Advocacy (for young people)
Someone to help a young person express their opinions and get their point across.
Child Abuse
Child abuse is when an adult harms a child or young person who is under 18, which includes bullying and racism. Child abuse damages a child or young person, emotionally and physically and can lead to death. |
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It is never the child or young person's fault and it's important to talk to someone about abuse.
There are four main types: emotional abuse, neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse
This is when children and young people are forced into sexual acts or situations such as sexual touching, sex against their will, masturbation, indecent exposure, pornography, sexual comments and suggestions. Sexual abuse can cause physical and emotional problems. In some cases, the abuser can be someone the child or young person knows or is close to - this may mean that they don't realise they're being abused.
Physical abuse
This is when a child or young person is hurt or injured by parents or other people. This can include beatings, hitting, kicking or punching - anything which causes pain or injury to a child or young person. Giving a child or young person harmful substances such as drugs counts as physical abuse. Physical abuse can be damaging and cause long-term effects such as disability or emotional problems. It can in some cases, be fatal.
Emotional abuse
This is when a child or young person's parent or carer don't accept them, don't show them love or don't approve of them. The parent or carer's behaviour can affect the young person's emotional development. The young person may be constantly rejected, criticised, shouted at, sworn at, made fun of or told that other people are better than them. The effects of emotional abuse can be long-lasting - it can lead to emotional, learning, behavioural or mental disorders.
Neglect
This is when a child or young person doesn't have proper food, shelter (home), clothing, warmth or protection and care.
Confidential
If something is confidential, this means that your information and conversation are private - no one will be told about your conversation.
Contraception
This is something used to stop females from getting pregnant and protect both males and females from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). The most well-known methods of contraception are condoms and the Pill. You can get free contraception and advice, even if you are under 16, despite the law saying it's only legal for people 16 and over to consent to sex. The only contraception that is 100% effective against pregnancy and STIs is not to have sex at all. Ask Harry about 'young people who have sex without condoms or who have sexual health problems' for details of people who can help you.
Counselling
At a counselling session, you meet with a trained person in a private and confidential place to discuss a difficulty you may be experiencing. Counselling usually doesn't tell you what to do, but tells you about your choices and helps you to feel less confused.
Emotional Abuse
See Child Abuse.
IUD
An IUD (Inter-Uterine Device) is better known as a coil - a small device placed inside the womb to prevent pregnancy. It has to be inserted by a trained doctor.
LEA Schools
Local Education Authority schools are those that are funded by the Government; you don't have to pay fees to attend them.
Occupational Therapy
Occupation therapy helps young people with a physical or mental disability carry out everyday activities that they find more difficult than most children. Occupational therapy helps young people with disabilities be more independent or help a young person who return to school after a serious injury or long-term illness. Occupational therapists help young people create different ways to do things that they might miss out on because of their illness or injury.
Physical Abuse
See Child Abuse.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps improve a person's ability to move and independence. Physiotherapists help people with pain or difficulties in moving or have problems with their balance. They provide a range of physical treatments including exercise.
Psychologists
A psychologist is a trained person who talks about emotional and personal problems with patients and their families.
Sexual Abuse
See Child Abuse.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
STIs are viruses or bacteria passed on during sex through bodily fluids such as sexual fluids, blood and saliva. Common STIs are Chlamydia, genital warts, herpes and public lice. You can catch an STI by having sex or oral sex with someone who has an infection. Condoms are the only type of contraception that protect against STIs and pregnancy. Sometimes, STIs show no symptoms - you may not know if you or your partner is carrying one, which is why it's important to both get checked out by a doctor or nurse before you have sex. Most STIs can be treated, but if they're not treated they can cause long-term damage. HIV cannot be cured. Ask Harry about 'young people who have sex without condoms or who have sexual health problems' for details of people who can help you.
Special Educational Needs
A child or young person has special educational needs if they find it harder to learn than other children / young people of the same age or they have a learning difficulty that means they need be taught in different ways to other children / young people of the same age.
Truancy
When a child or young person isn't at school when they should be and doesn't have permission from their parents or teacher.
Unemployment
When somebody doesn't have a job, but is available to work and is looking for a job.
Victim
A person is a victim if a crime or unfortunate event has happened to them.
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© Wiltshire Children & Young People's Services Partnership 2005. All rights reserved. Terms & Conditions
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