What you can do - signs to watch for

“Child abuse” includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect. It also addresses a pattern of abuse and risks of harm.

Please see the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies for further details. There are many signs – some overt and others much more subtle – to watch for when suspecting child abuse. See below for an excerpt from the Children’s Aid Society on subtle signs to watch for.

DID YOU KNOW

You have a legal duty and responsibility to report suspected child abuse. You’re not responsible for investigating or proving the instance of abuse, but it is up to you to make the call to protect the child. You have a legal duty and responsibility to report suspected child abuse. You’re not responsible for investigating or proving the instance of abuse, but it is up to you to make the call to protect the child. Click here to learn more and read up on section 125 of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act.

Physical abuse:

• Child wears long sleeves/long pants even in warm weather

• Excessive crying

• Child seems anxious when other children cry

• Avoidance of physical contact with others

• Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns

• Behaviour extremes—aggressiveness or withdrawal

• Poor self-concept

• Whispered speech

Emotional abuse:

• Sudden change in self-confidence

• Headaches or stomach aches with no medical cause

• Destructive behaviour

• Abnormal fears, increased nightmares

• Failure to gain weight (especially in infants)

• Desperately affectionate behaviour

• Speech disorders (stuttering, stammering)

• Habit disorders (biting, rocking, head-banging)

Sexual abuse:

• Frequent sore throats or urinary infections

• Constant sadness

• Re-enactment of abuse using dolls, drawings or friends

• Clinging

• Thumb-sucking

• Sudden fear of the dark

• Behaviour extremism—aggressiveness or withdrawal

• Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns

Neglect:

• Missing key articles of clothing

• Over- or under-dressed for weather conditions

• Height and weight significantly below age level

• Consistent school absenteeism

• Persistent hunger

• Trouble concentrating

• Low self-esteem

• Body odour

How to report abuse:

If you suspect child abuse, you need to call your local Child Services – click here for a listing with locations across Canada and corresponding contact information. It is your duty.