Child Abuse
Introduction
Child abuse is the physical, emotional, sexual maltreatment and/or neglect of a child. It harms or endangers the survival, safety, self esteem, growth and/or development of the child. It can involve a single act or a pattern of incidents (RCMP).
Facts
- 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.
- Approximately six out of ten children that were victims of family violence were assaulted by a parent.
- Girls aged 18 and under are more likely than boys of the same age to become victims of family violence.
- Physical assault is the most common form of violence within the family.
(Source: Family Violence in Canada – A Statistical Profile 2010)
Types of child abuse
Canada recognizes several different forms of child abuse and a child may experience more than one type. They are physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.
Need help?
If you are a victim of child abuse…
- First, realize that you have the right to be safe. Remember, no one deserves to be abused.
- 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 about what’s going on.
- If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone face to face, call a helpline. One possibility is Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
- Figure out a safety plan. This could mean living with a different family member or a friend. Your local police department and/or abuse centres (usually a community centre where employees are trained to help victims of abuse) will help you decide what safety plan is best for you.
(Source: Kids Help Phone)
If you suspect or know a child who is a victim of child abuse…
- Remember that child abuse is not a “private” matter. It’s better to report it – the safety of the child must come first.
- If possible, talk to the child and see if he or she is willing to tell you anything. Reassure the child that everything is going to be okay and that you can be trusted. The information shared is not to be casually talked about with other employees or friends.
- The key is to act promptly. If you’re afraid to call the police or your local child welfare agency right away, confide in someone close to the child (but not the potential abuser) about your concerns. But, make sure that it will be reported to authorities. Failing to report child abuse can result in consequences such as legal problems for you and possibly life-threatening or life-long circumstances for the child being abused.
- Remember that the faster you act, the faster the child will be taken out of the danger.
If you were a victim of child abuse…
- It is still important to report what you went through to your local authorities because:
- Child abuse has to be taken out of the shadows of our communities. Victims should not feel ashamed or embarrassed of their abuse. Until we open up a community-wide dialogue on this issue, these feeling will remain and abuse will continue.
- Depending on its forms, duration and severity, abuse can affect a person long after the abuse has stopped. It can affect all parts of a victim’s life: psychological, physical, behavioural, academic, sexual, interpersonal, self-perceptual and spiritual.
- Don’t hesitate to talk to a counsellor. What you have been through is quite traumatizing and seeking professional help can assist you in dealing with any feelings or effects you may be experiencing.
(Source: Kids Help Phone)
Links
Family Violence in Canada – A Statistical Profile 2010
Department of Justice – Family Violence Initiative
RCMP – The Effect of Domestic Violence on Children
Public Health Agency of Canada – Child Abuse and Neglect
The Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness
Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868)
