Signs of Abuse
If you have concerns about a child, please call your local CAS immediately. All CASs have emergency service 24 hours a day, so you can call anytime.
What is child abuse or neglect?
When a child is hurt intentionally, or when a parent or caregiver fails to protect a child in their care. It is against the law. It is a misuse of parental power and can lead to life long negative consequences. There are different kinds of child abuse physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect.
What is physical abuse?
Any deliberate physical force or action (usually by a parent or caregiver) that results, or could result, in injury to a child. It can include punching, slapping, beating, shaking, burning, biting or throwing a child. It is different from what is considered reasonable discipline.
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow. It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
Physical abuse is any harm to a child caused by an action or omission of action by the child's caregiver.
Injuries may include
bruises;
welts;
cuts;
fractures;
burns; or
internal injuries.
Physical abuse can be one or two isolated incidents or can occur over a prolonged period of time.
Behavioural indicators
cannot recall how injuries occurred or offers an inconsistent explanation
wary of adults
may cringe or flinch if touched unexpectedly
infants may display a vacant stare
extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn
indiscriminately seeks affection
extremely compliant and/or eager to please
Physical indicators
injuries that are not consistent with explanation
presence of several injuries that are in various stages of healing
presence of various injuries over a period of time
facial injuries in infants and preschool children
injuries inconsistent with the child's age and developmental phase
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow. It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
Sexual abuse is any sexual exploitation of a child by an older person where the child is being used for a sexual purpose.
The Criminal Code of Canada identifies a number of types of sexual abuse, including
sexual interference;
an invitation to sexually touch;
sexual exploitation of a young person;
parent or guardian procuring sexual activity from a child;
householder permitting sexual activity;
exposing genitals to a child; and
incest.
Behavioural indicators;
age inappropriate play with toys, self or others displaying explicit sexual acts
age inappropriate sexually explicit drawing and/or descriptions
bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge
prostitution
seductive behaviours
Physical indicators;
unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area
torn, stained or bloody underwear (may be observed if the child needs bathroom assistance)
pregnancy
injuries to the genital or anal areas, eg bruising, swelling or infection
venereal disease
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow.
It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow. It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
Emotional abuse includes all acts of omission or commission which result in the absence of a nurturing environment for the child. It occurs when the caregiver continually treats the child in such a negative way that the child's concept of "self" is seriously impaired. Emotionally abusive behaviour by the caregiver can include constant yelling; demeaning remarks; rejecting, ignoring or isolating the child; or terrorizing the child. Emotional abuse can be the most difficult to identify and prove.
Behavioural Indicators
severe depression
extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness
overly compliant, too well mannered, too neat or clean
extreme attention seeking
displays extreme inhibition in play
Physical indicators
bed wetting that is non-medical in origin
frequent psychosomatic complaints, headaches, nausea, abdominal pains
child fails to thrive
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow.
It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow. It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
Most caregivers do not intend to neglect their children. It usually results from ignorance about appropriate care for children or an ability to plan ahead.
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide basic needs such as adequate food, sleep, safety, supervision, clothing or medical treatment.
Behavioural indicators
pale, listless, unkempt
frequent absence from school
inappropriate clothing for the weather, dirty clothes
engaged in delinquent acts, alcohol/drug abuse
frequently forgets a lunch
Physical indicators
poor hygiene
unattended physical problems or medical needs, eg dental work, glasses
consistent lack of supervision