1. Child Abuse
By Karen Yik

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Types of Child Abuse Neglect Emotional Abuse Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse

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

10. 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

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

12. 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)

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

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Works cited: