Locations

Careers

FoundationIcon-01

Foundation

Report Abuse

24 hour access to emergency protective services.
Get help now.

1-855-623-8511

Recognize Signs of Abuse

When a child is hurt intentionally, or when a parent or caregiver fails to protect a child in their care, it is against the law. It is a misuse of parental power and can lead to life long negative consequences.

There are four different kinds of child abuse: physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. There are different types of child abuse along with indicators to help you recognize the signs of abuse if have concerns about a child. By learning to recognize the signs, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

Neglect

Neglect happens when the parent or caretaker is failing to provide for a child’s basic needs such as adequate food, clothing, education, medical care, sleep, hygiene, or supervision.

The signs and indicators of neglect may include but are not limited to:

E

Consistently has poor hygiene

E

Frequently left alone, unsupervised

E

Often late or absent from school

E

Doesn’t wear proper clothing for weather

E

Pale, listless, unkempt

E

Frequently forgets a lunch

It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse involves any deliberate physical harm or force (usually by a parent or caregiver) that results, or could result, in injury to a child. It can include punching, slapping, beating, shaking, burning, biting or throwing a child. Physical abuse can be one or two isolated incidents or can occur over a prolonged period of time. It is different from what is considered reasonable discipline.

The signs and indicators of physical abuse may include but are not limited to:

E

Bruises, Welts, Cuts, Fractures, Burns, Internal injuries

E

Can’t recall how injuries occurred or offers an inconsistent explanation

E

Wary of adults

E

May cringe or flinch if touched unexpectedly

E

Infants may display a vacant stare

E

Extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn

E

Indiscriminately seeks affection

E

Extremely compliant and/or eager to please

It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when a parent or caretaker purposely harms a child’s self-worth, along with the absence of a nurturing environment for the child. It occurs when the caregiver continually treats the child in such a negative way that the child’s concept of “self” is seriously impaired. Emotionally abusive behaviour by the caregiver can include constant yelling; demeaning remarks; rejecting, ignoring or isolating the child; or terrorizing the child. Emotional abuse can be the most difficult to identify and prove.
E

Severe depression

E

Extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness

E

Overly compliant, too well mannered, too neat or clean

E

Extreme attention seeking

E

Displays extreme inhibition in play

E

Bed wetting that is non-medical in origin

E

Frequent psychosomatic complaints, headaches, nausea, abdominal pains

E

Child fails to thrive

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is any sexual exploitation of a child by an older person where the child is being used for a sexual purpose. Sexual abuse doesn’t always involve body contact, but can be exposing a child to sexual situations or materials.

The Criminal Code of Canada identifies a number of types of sexual abuse, including:

E

Sexual interference

E

An invitation to sexually touch

E

Sexual exploitation of a young person

E

Parent or guardian procuring sexual activity from a child

E

Householder permitting sexual activity

E

Exposing genitals to a child

E

Incest

It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.
Sexual Abuse Indicators:
E

Age inappropriate play with toys, self or others displaying explicit sexual acts

E

Age inappropriate sexually explicit drawing and/or descriptions

E

Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge

E

Prostitution

E

Seductive behaviours: Displaying sexual knowledge beyond their years

E

Unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area

E

Child has trouble walking or sitting

E

Torn, stained or bloody underwear (may be observed if the child needs bathroom assistance)

E

Pregnancy

E

Injuries to the genital or anal areas, e.g. bruising, swelling or infection

E

Venereal disease

E

Frequently forgets a lunch

Duty to Report: How to help an abused or neglected child

Keeping our children safe is the responsibility of everyone. If you have ANY reason to believe a child is in need of protection or is at risk, please contact Dilico immediately. Dilico has emergency services available 24 hours a day, so you can call anytime.

It’s so important we do everything we can to recognize, respond and prevent abuse.

Remember, it’s your duty. Every person who suspects that a child is being abused, must report it. It is NOT necessary to be certain. That decision will be left to the team of child welfare professionals.

Report Abuse

Prevention

Working hand in hand with our communities, Dilico assists with supporting, promoting and working alongside existing prevention programs. Our vision is to ensure that all our member communities have necessary prevention programs that meet the unique, cultural and individual needs of each community to enhance the lives of children and families.

Skip to content