Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence-child abuse


Child Abuse	Prevention can only occur when we understand the problem and commit ourselves to sharing this information with others in our community.

What is Child Abuse?

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Getting Help

The term "child abuse" refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that a child or adolescent may experience while in the care of someone they either trust or depend on, such as a parent, sibling, other relative, caregiver or guardian. (Department of Justice Canada, 2005)

Help is available

If you are being abused tell, tell, tell. Tell someone you trust like a parent, a teacher, coach, guidance counselor, or another relative. Keep telling until someone listens to you and they get help for you.

If you are under the age of 16 and being abused please call the RCMP at 279-3001 or 1-800-709-7267 or Child Youth Family Services at 891-5025.
If you suspect child abuse or neglect of a child under the age of 16 please call the RCMP at 279-3001 or 1-800-709-7267 or Child Youth Family Services at 891-5025. You have a duty to report under section 15 of Child Youth Family Services Act.
If you are not sure about what is happening to you and want to talk to someone about it call the Kid’s Help Line at -1-800-668-6868.
Remember the abuse is not your fault. Nothing you said or did caused an adult to abuse you.

Types of Child Abuse

Physical Abuse	Shaking, Pushing, Hitting
Emotional Maltreatment	Verbal abuse to emotional neglect
Sexual Abuse	Penetration to sexual exploitation
Exposure to family violence	Witness to violence between caregivers
Neglect	Failure to supervise the child or abandonment
It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.
For a more detailed description, please click here.

Are you being abused?

Recognizing the warning signs and symptoms of child abuse is the first step to breaking free.

SIGNS OF CHILD ABUSE
The first step to helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination, you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

The Child

Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.

Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parentès attention.

Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.

Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.

Lacks adult supervision.

Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.

Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

The PArent

Shows little concern for the child.

Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—their problems in school or at home.

Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.

Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.

Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.

Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.

The Parent and Child

Rarely touch or look at each other.

Consider their relationship entirely negative.

State that they do not like each other.

Types Of Abuse

The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes.

Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.

Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home.

Shrinks at the approach of adults.

Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury.

Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way.

Uses harsh physical discipline with the child.

Has a history of abuse as a child.

Signs of Neglect

Is frequently absent from school.

Begs or steals food or money.

Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.

Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.

Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.

Abuses alcohol or other drugs.

States that there is no one at home to provide care.

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Appears to be indifferent to the child.

Seems apathetic or depressed.

Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner.

Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Has difficulty walking or sitting.

Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities.

Reports nightmares or bed-wetting.

Experiences a sudden change in appetite.

Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.

Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under the age of 14.

Runs away.

Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex.

Is secretive and isolated.

Is jealous or controlling with family members.

Signs of Emotional Maltreatment

Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression.

Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example).

Is delayed in physical or emotional development.

Has attempted suicide.

Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:

Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child.

Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems.

Overtly rejects the child.

How to help a friend

Listen to them, and let them know you believe them.

Don't be judgmental, and don't criticize them.

Tell them they don't deserve to be abused.

Talk to them about the choices they have, but don't tell them what to do.

Support them.

Offer to go with them to a counselor.

	If you know of any child who is
	left home alone living with violence left without supervision sexually abused physically harmed emotionally harmed
	you are obligated to report it.

	If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please call the RCMP at 279-3001 or your local RCMP detachment or Child Protection at 891-5025.