Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible sign, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child abuse are subtler than others. We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm – a responsibility that extends to those situations where children suffer abuse and neglect in their own homes.
Different types of abuse include PHYSICAL ABUSE which is non-accidental, serious physical injury of a child, including beatings, burns, bites, strangulation, or immersion in scalding water resulting in bruises, welts, broken bones, scars, or serious internal injuries. Watch for unexplained bruises, bites, black eyes, broken bones, fading bruises, or other noticeable marks. SEXUAL ABUSE which is sexual contact between a child and an adult or older child for the sexual gratification of the offender. It can include both physical and non-physical contact, and it is always forced. Watch for a child’s difficulty in walking or sitting, a refusal to change for gym or participate in physical activity, or demonstration of bizarre, over-sophistication, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior. EMOTIONAL ABUSE which is a pattern of behavior that attacks a child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth. Watch for extremely compliant, passive, aggressive, or demanding behaviors, or inappropriately adult or infantile, delayed physical or emotional development, talk of or attempted suicide and NEGLECT which is the withholding of or failure to provide a child with the basic necessities of life: food, clothing, shelter, medical care, attention to hygiene, or supervision needed for optimal physical growth and development. Watch for frequently missed school days, begging or stealing food or money, a lack of needed medical or dental care or glasses, a consistently dirty appearance or severe body odor, or alcohol or drug abuse.
Ontario’s Child and Family Services Act (CFSA) provides for protection for these children. We all share a responsibility to protect children from harm – a responsibility that extends to those situations where children suffer abuse and neglect in their own homes.
Section 72. of the Act states that members of the public, including professionals who work with children, must promptly report any suspicions that a child is or may be in need of protection to The Children’s Aid Society.
REPORTING CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT
