Information on the Types and Signs of Child Abuse

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What should I do if a child says they are being abused?

Listen to the child.
Allow the child to tell what happened in his/her own words.
Do not ask leading questions.
Remain calm and neutral.
Do not over-react, show horror, anger, or any other emotion that could make the child think the abuse or neglect is his/her fault.
Support and acknowledge the child’s feelings and reassure him/her it was a good thing to tell you.
Tell the child you believe what he/she said.
Assure the child you will do something to help.

What will I need to say when I call?

your name and phone number (NOTE: all reports are confidential, but you can also choose not to give your name)
how long you have known the child/family
your relationship to the child/family
any information you know about the child/family
why you are concerned about the child
what have you seen or heard
what the child has told you
what others have told you
where the child is now

What types of abuse are there?

The types and signs of abuse are:

Neglect is failure to provide care to a child. The lack of care can cause serious harm to a child's mental and physical development and or put the child in danger.

Physical neglect is failure to give the child his/her basic daily needs, including failure to provide:

proper food/nutrition
proper clothing
safe, clean shelter
health/medical care
protection from harm

Emotional neglect is the failure to meet the child's ongoing emotional needs for:

affection
a sense of safety
a sense of belonging

Some behavioural signs of neglect could include but are not limited to:
- frequent absence from school
- inappropriate clothing for the weather
- dirty clothes
- inappropriate acts or delinquent behaviour
- abuse of alcohol/drugs
- begging / stealing food
- frequently tired
- seeks inappropriate affection
- mature for their age
- reports of being left alone
Some physical signs of neglect could include but are not limited to:
- poor hygiene
- unattended physical or medical needs
- consistent lack of supervision
- underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive
- constant hunger
- dirty clothes
- under nourished

Emotional abuse is usually a repeated pattern that includes:

repeated exposure to alcohol or drug abuse
repeated verbal attacks, humiliation or rejection
repeated exposure to violence or fighting
forced isolation, restraint or causing fear

Some behavioural signs of emotional abuse could include but are not limited to:
- depression
- withdrawal or aggressive behaviour
- overly compliant
- too neat and clean
- habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.)
- learning disorders
- sleep disorders
- unusual fearfulness
- obsessive compulsive behaviour
- phobias
- harming themselves
- extreme behaviour
- suicide attempts
- developmental delays
Some physical signs of emotional abuse could include but are not limited to:
- bed-wetting
- headaches
- nausea
- speech disorders
- lags in physical development
- disruptive behaviour

Physical abuse can be a single incident or repeated pattern including:

the intentional use of force or pain on any part of a child's body
any contact or action that causes physical injuries

Some behavioural signs of physical abuse could include but are not limited to:

inconsistent explanation for injuries or cannot remember
wary of adults
flinch if touched unexpectedly
extremely aggressive or extremely withdrawn
feels deserving of punishment
apprehensive when others cry
frightened of parents
afraid to go home

physical signs

injuries not consistent with explanation
numerous injuries in varying stages of recovery or healing
presence of injuries over an extended period of time
facial injuries
injuries inconsistent with the child’s age and developmental phase

Sexual abuse is exposing a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour, including:

any sexual touching
intercourse, exploitation or exposure

Some behavioural signs of sexual abuse could include but are not limited to:
- sexual knowledge or play inappropriate to age
- sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge
- prostitution
- poor peer relationships
- delinquent or runaway
- reports sexual assault by caretaker
- change in performance in school
- sleeping disorders
- aggressive behaviour
- self-harm (ex. cutting, suicide attempts)
Some physical signs of sexual abuse could include but are not limited to:

unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area
stained or bloody underwear
pregnancy
injuries to the vaginal or anal areas
sexually transmitted infections
difficult walking or sitting
pain when peeing
vaginal/penile discharge
excessive masturbation
urinary tract infections

If you think a child is being harmed or neglected, please contact your local Designated Intake Agency or local police agency.

When else might a CFS agency get involved?

Some examples of when child and family services can help include:

when a parent needs help parenting or caring for their children
when the parents or children are intoxicated or high on drugs
when the parents or children are suicidal
if parents have a sudden medical emergency and no one can take care of the children
if children have been abandoned by parents or guardians
if there is violence in the home