A child’s feelings are important and no problem is too small. One thing that child protection workers look for when they speak to young people is whether or not they feel safe.
On this page:
Forms of Abuse
- Sexual: Child sexual abuse occurs when a person uses his/her power over a child or youth, and involves the child in any sexual act. The power of the abuser can lie in age differences, intellectual or physical development, a relationship of authority over the child, and/or the child’s dependency on him/her. Learn more.
- Emotional: Occurs when someone threatens, bullies and intimidates another person. A person experiencing emotional abuse may not realize that they’re being mistreated.
- Physical: Includes hitting, punching or physically harming a young person in some other way.
- Neglect: when a parent or caregiver fails to meet a young person’s basic needs, such as a safe place to live and clean, weather-appropriate clothing; nutritious food; adequate hygiene; supervision and guidance; education; emotional support; medical care.
Witnessing domestic violence is also a form of abuse, such as watching parents throw dishes at each other. Children can be abused by any trusted adult or by someone other than an adult, such as a sibling, a cousin, or a neighbour.
The difference between discipline and abuse
In Canada, parents are legally allowed to physically discipline their children from ages two to 12. However, only some kinds of discipline are allowed:
- discipline must be done in an effort to correct behaviour, rather than to express a parent’s frustration or loss of temper
- the child must be capable of learning from the discipline
- the discipline must not involve the use of objects (sticks, bats, belts or other objects)
- the child must not be hit on the head or slapped in the face
- the discipline must not be degrading, humiliating or harmful (bruises, cuts, scratches and other markings are physical signs of harm)
What Might Keep a Child or Youth from Telling Someone About Abuse
Every individual reacts differently to abuse regardless of the type, extent or duration of the abuse. There are many reasons that your child may not tell someone about the abuse. These are some feelings that may keep a child from telling:
- Fear
- Confusing & conflicting feelings
- Self blame & guilt
- Feeling vulnerable & powerless
- Feeling rejected or trapped
- Feeling worthless or betrayed
For more information visit the Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal.
- What is child abuse and neglect?
- What are the signs of child abuse or neglect?
- Do I need to report child abuse and neglect?
- Who do I call if I suspect child abuse or neglect?
- What do child welfare workers do when they receive a call reporting suspected child maltreatment?
Resources
The Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton work to protect children from potential harm. The Society provides services and supports to children and families in their own homes. Child Protection Workers will consult and plan with other professionals who know the child, such as teachers, doctors, public health nurses, and other community partners to address immediate issues and establish a plan for future service, as well as help families build a network of support to aid in their ability to provide appropriate care.
To report concerns of potential child abuse, or to get support for yourself or your family, call 905-522-1121 or after-hours emergency service 905-522-8053.
Children’s Aid Societies work to protect children from potential harm. The Society provides services and supports to children and families in their own homes. Child Protection Workers will consult and plan with other professionals who know the child, such as teachers, doctors, public health nurses, and other community partners to address immediate issues and establish a plan for future service, as well as help families build a network of support to aid in their ability to provide appropriate care.
To report concerns of potential child abuse, or to get support for yourself or your family:
The Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton: 905-522-1121 or after-hours emergency 905-522-8053.
The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton: 905-525-2012 or after-hours emergency 905-522-8053.
The Children’s Aid Society of Halton: 905-333-4441
The Child Advocacy and Assessment Program (CAAP) provides consultations and assessments around issues of child maltreatment, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect.
Eagles Nest: HOPE Centre (Home of Practical Education) offers a variety of services and supports including counselling, coaching, support groups and educational classes to individuals and families seeking to achieve positive change in their lives with a focus on building self worth, cultivating healthy relationships and navigating through trauma or difficult circumstances.
ShelterSafe.ca is an online resource for women and their children seeking safety from violence and abuse. It allows women to quickly find and connect with the nearest shelter in a specific geographic area that can offer safety, hope, and support.
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse provides help for male survivors of sexual abuse, through individual and group counselling, peer support, telephone and online counselling, and referrals to other appropriate community support services to meet other long-term needs.
1-866-887-0015: 24 hour, multilingual, toll-free phone line for immediate crisis and referral services.
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