Child Abuse

The true prevalence of child abuse in Alberta is unknown because of the private nature of family interactions and the lack of a commonly accepted definition.

According to Alberta Family and Social Services Child Welfare Records, between April 1, 1995, and March 31, 1996, Child Welfare workers completed nearly 30,000 investigations of suspected child abuse. More than 10,000 of these cases confirmed that children in the home were currently experiencing or were at risk of neglect and abuse.

Types of Abuse

Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is the intentional application of force to any part of a child’s body such that injuries are sustained. It may be a single incident or a series or a pattern of incidents.

Emotional Abuse
Verbal attacks, like persistent humiliation, rejection or the constant reiteration that a child is bad or stupid, are considered emotionally abusive, undermining a child’s self-image, sense of worth and self-confidence. Other emotionally abusive behaviours include forced isolation, restraint or purposely instilling fear. Emotional abuse is usually chronic and part of a particular style of child rearing.

Sexual Abuse
Includes any sexual touching, sexual intercourse or sexual exploitation of a child by a caretaker, who could be a parent, guardian, another relative or any person in whose care the child has been left.

Neglect
Any act of omission that causes significant negative emotional and physical consequences. Physical neglect is the failure to meet the physical needs of a child, needs that include adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter, health care and protection from harm. Emotional neglect is the failure to meet the emotional needs of a child for affection, a sense of belonging and self-esteem. It can range from passive indifference to outright rejection.

If you suspect child abuse

If anyone suspects that a child is being mistreated in any way (listed above) he or she is obliged by law to report suspected neglect, mistreatment or abuse to the local provincial, social service or child protection authorities. In Alberta, the number to call is: 1-800-387-5437.

Resources

• Child Abuse Hotline (24 hours): 1-800-387-KIDS (5437)
• Peer Support Centre: 780-492-HELP
• Distress Line: 780-482-HELP
• Edmonton and Area Child and Family Services: 780-422-2001
• Beyond Abuse Support Services, YWCA: 780-423-9922
• Child Rights Information Network
• International Child Abuse Network
• National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse
• Edmonton Police Service: Child Protection