Child abuse

Child abuse, as defined by Canadian law, is the violence, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adolescent may experience while in the care of someone he or she trusts or depends on, such as a parent, sibling, relative, caregiver or guardian.
Abuse can take place anywhere, including the child’s home, the home of someone known to the child, or in a public place.
The abuser uses a number of strategies to gain access and control over the child and prevent him or her from informing people of the abuse.
The abuse may be a one time thing or occur repeatedly in an escalating pattern over a long period of time. The form of abuse may change over time.

Canada recognizes several different forms of child abuse. A child may experience more than one type.

Physical Abuse: deliberate force against a child that injures him or her or has the potential to injure him or her. This includes beating, shaking, pushing, choking, hitting, biting, burning, kicking or assaulting the child with a blunt object or weapon. Other forms of physical abuse include female genital mutilation, the harmful use of force, or holding a child under water.
Sexual Abuse/Exploitation: the use of a child for sexual purposes. This includes fondling, sexual touching, intercourse, rape, incest, exhibitionism, child prostitution, child pornography or inviting the child to touch an adult in a sexual way.
Emotional Abuse: acts that place the child at risk for behavioural, cognitive, emotional or mental health problems. Actions include verbal threats, social isolation, exploitation, intimidation, terrorizing or making unreasonable demands.
Neglect: often frequent, long term and chronic, neglect is failing to provide a child with his or her basic needs. Basic needs include physical, psychological and emotional needs. Examples of neglect include failing to provide a child with food, proper clothing, shelter, medical care, love, safety and a sense of worth.

It’s almost impossible to know what the child abuse rates are in Canada. This is because children frequently do not or cannot tell anyone, and often no one reports the abuse to authorities.
Young people are the victims of crime disproportionately more than the older population (National Victims of Crime Awareness Week).
In one year, there were approximately 135,573 cases investigating the maltreatment of children in Canada, a rate of 22 in 1,000 children (Department of Justice: Child Abuse Fact Sheet).
More than two in 1,000 children are physically abused (Department of Justice: Child Abuse Fact Sheet).
Almost one in 1,000 children is sexually abused (Department of Justice: Child Abuse Fact Sheet).
Four in 1,000 children are neglected (Department of Justice: Child Abuse Fact Sheet).

First, realize that you have the right to be safe. You may feel that you “deserve” your abuse. No one deserves to be abused. Trust how you’re feeling. You have done nothing to deserve how you’re being treated.
If you feel that you are in immediate danger, it’s best to call 911 or go to your local police station.
If you don’t feel that you’re in immediate danger, find someone who you can talk to and confide in, such as a teacher, family member, friend or police officer. Tell him or her what’s going on.
If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know, call a helpline. One possibility is Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
Finally, figure out a safety plan. This could mean living with a family member, friend or going into protective custody. Your local police officer and abuse center will help you decide what safety plan is best for you.
Most importantly, remember that you did nothing wrong. This isn’t your fault.

First, remember that child abuse is not a “private” matter. It’s better to report it and be wrong than to keep it a secret. The safety of the child must come first.
It’s your responsibility to contact your local child protective services agency. If you’re not sure what this is, you can contact your local police, an emergency hotline, or even your local hospital. If you’re concerned about your personal safety, you are allowed to remain anonymous.
If it’s possible, talk to the child. See if they are willing to tell you anything. If it could put you or the child at risk, this step should be avoided.
The key is to act promptly. If you’re afraid to call child services right away, at least confide in someone close to the child about your concerns. The faster you act, the faster the child will be taken out of the danger.

Child Abuse