Child Abuse & Neglect
Child abuse and neglect include acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that result in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. There are four major categories of child abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect and emotional maltreatment. Exposure to domestic violence is a sub-category of emotional maltreatment.
You can get more information on the signs of child maltreatment from the Family Violence Initiative, operated by the Department of Justice of Canada. You can also contact Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for further information.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or are looking for information about services for children or families experiencing difficulties you can contact your local child welfare agency. Click here to find the local child welfare agency in your province or territory. Please visit our FAQs section to learn more about child abuse and neglect.
