VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN
What is Child Abuse?
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).
Types of Child Abuse?
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Physical Abuse
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Shaking, Pushing, Hitting
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Emotional Maltreatment
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Verbal abuse to emotional neglect
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Sexual Abuse
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Penetration to sexual exploitation
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Exposure to family violence
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Witness to violence between caregivers
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Neglect
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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.
Help A Friend
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Listen to them, and let them know you believe them.
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Don't be judgmental, and don't criticize them.
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Tell them they don't deserve to be abused.
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Talk to them about the choices they have, but don't tell them what to do.
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Support them.
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Offer to go with them to a counselor.
Report Abuse
If you know a child who is:
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* left home alone
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* living with violence
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* left without supervision
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* sexually abused
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* physically harmed
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* 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.
