Emotional abuse refers to a relationship rather than to a series of events. It is increasingly being recognized as a variant of child abuse and neglect, with serious implications for the child's future. Based on a study of children registered under the category of emotional abuse, it has been possible to identify three tiers of concern: parental attributes, categories of ill-treatment, and impairments of the child's development. While advocating an early response to concerns suggesting emotional abuse, the article raises questions about the appropriateness of immediate use of formal child protection procedures in the investigation and assessment of suspected emotional abuse. The article suggests alternative approaches which may not need to include police and social services in the early stages. The response to recognition of emotional abuse is more appropriately considered as working towards protection. Tables, figure, references