There are many children and young people in society who are in danger and at risk of harm from others due to their inability to protect themselves. Children interact with adults in a wide range of settings and organisations. There are millions of children who live, work and play in environments where adults provide and facilitate education, leisure, support and care. The term environment includes a wide range of familiar institutions such as schools, colleges, hospitals, care homes, youth organisations and, of content, the family home. A wide range of agencies deliver education, care and leisure services to children and there is a legal requirement on all such agencies to protect the children under their responsibility   It is intended that the effects of harm and abuse can be minimised by raising awareness through programmes of study such as this. Child abuse is illegal and is thought to be more widespread than previously acknowledged. It is important to note that whether the abuse is deliberate or not, the abused are affected in the same way.