Child Abuse By Karen Yik

Child Abuse Statistics in Canada A child dies every week in Canada at the hands of a caregiver. 70% of children who are victims of homicide are killed before the age of 5. 80% of abusers are known to their child victims. More than 90% of child abuse cases are unreported. 1 out of every 3 female children and 1 out of every 6 male children in Canada will experience an unwanted sexual act before they reach adulthood. It is estimated that children with disabilities are 4 to 10 times more vulnerable to sexual abuse than their nondisabled peers.

Understanding Child Abuse: The Myths It’s only abuse if it’s violent Physical abuse is just one type. Neglect and emotional abuse can be just as damaging, but they are more subtle, others are less likely to intervene.

Understanding Child Abuse: The Myths Only bad people abuse their children Not all abusers are intentionally harming their children. Many have been victims of abuse themselves, and don’t know any other way to parent. Others may be struggling with mental health issues or a substance abuse problem.

Understanding Child Abuse: The Myths Child abuse doesn’t happen in “good” families Child abuse doesn’t only happen in poor families or bad neighbourhoods. It crosses all racial, economic, and cultural lines. Sometimes, some families who seem to have it all from the outside are hiding a different story behind closed doors.

Understanding Child Abuse: The Myths Most child abusers are strangers While abuse by strangers does happen, most abusers are family members or others close to the family.

Understanding Child Abuse: The Myths Abused children always grow up to be abusers It is true that abused children are more likely to repeat the cycle as adults, unconsciously repeating what they experienced as children. On the other hand, many adult survivors of child abuse have a strong motivation to protect their children against what they went through and become excellent parents.

Types of Child Abuse Neglect Emotional Abuse Physical Abuse Sexual Abuse

Neglect Definition: Failure to give due attention or care to a child resulting in serious emotional or physical harm.

Neglect Warning signs: Poor hygiene (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor) Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather Untreated illnesses and physical injuries Is frequently late or missing from school

Emotional Abuse Definition: Verbal attacks or demeaning actions that impact on a child’s self esteem and self worth.

Emotional Abuse Warning signs: Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong Shows extremes in behaviour (extremely compliant or extremely demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive) Doesn’t seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums)

Physical Abuse Definition: The intentional use of force against a child resulting in injury or causing bodily harm.

Physical Abuse Warning signs: Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts Is always watchful and ‘on alert” as if waiting for something bad to happen Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days

Sexual Abuse Definition: Any form of sexual conduct (touching, exploitation, intercourse) directed at a child.

Sexual Abuse Warning signs: Trouble walking or sitting Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or even seductive behaviour Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason Doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities An STD or pregnancy, especially under the age of 14 Runs away from home

Consequences of Child Abuse Girls tend to internalize their response to abuse, and are more likely to have: Suicidal ideation Eating disorders Low self-esteem Psychological disorders

Consequences of Child Abuse Boys are more likely to externalize their response and may lead to: Increased aggression Delinquency Lack of trust Spouse abuse

If a child discloses abuse, we should: Believe in the child Listen openly and calmly Reassure the child Write down the facts Report to police Inform Head of Dept.

Reporting Everyone has a duty to report child abuse. As soon as a child discloses abuse, contact local police, and then your department head. If there are reasonable grounds to suspect abuse is taking place, report it immediately. Anyone who has a reasonable suspicion that a child is or may be in need of protection is required by law to report the information. People who report suspected child abuse or neglect cannot be sued unless they did so maliciously or without reasonable grounds.

Works cited: http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/english/documents/topics/childrensaid/Reportingchildabuseandneglect.pdf http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm http://www.irvingstudios.com/child_abuse_survivor_monument/PDFs%20for%20Media/a%202007%20StatisticsOnChildAbuse.pdf http://www.johnabbott.qc.ca/public/3a6ce747-8d96-4668-becd-0c6ac17b644a/current_students/Student_Services/Counselling_Service/child_abuse_fact_sheet.pdf http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/pubs/ccaps-spcca/chi-enf-eng.htm