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We can talk with you about your problems, in
private. And we will keep you safe.
When adults hurt children and youth it's wrong.
Sometimes it is called abuse. There are many different
kinds of abuse. Child abuse is wrong.
There are many things that we can do to help make
things better for you, and keep you safe.
Hitting, pushing and yelling can all be abuse.
Neglecting, refusing to support and not providing
appropriate food and shelter can all be abuse.
Abusing kids is wrong. It is never your fault.
If you think you're a victim of abuse or you think
that a friend is being abused - we can help.
If you are hurt or afraid, we are here
to help you.
You can call us anytime—day
or night, to talk about your problems, or to ask
for help. We are here to keep you safe.
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- If you are experiencing serious conflict
in your family
- If you are being or have been abused or neglected,
or you are afraid you will be
- If you are aware of another child or youth
who may be abused or neglected
- If you know or suspect that another child
or youth is exposed to domestic violence
- If you need help regarding a pregnancy
- If, as a parent, you find the stress becoming
overwhelming
- If your parents abuse drugs or alcohol, and
you do not feel safe
- If you were kicked out of your house and have
nowhere to stay
Even if you don't need help right now, you can
still read this information so you'll be prepared
if you or a friend ever need help in the future.
If you do need help
now call us. We're here to help you 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week 905-433-1551
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What is child abuse and neglect?
Child abuse and neglect includes the following
behaviour by an adult caregiver to a child under
age 16. Abuse can happen repeatedly or just once:
- Physical and emotional harm
- Sexual behaviour or suggestion
- Failure to provide proper care
- Depriving support, medical care and affection
- Exposure to domestic violence
Physical Abuse:
- Any physical attack (repeatedly or occurring
just once)
- Any physical harm caused by lack of care
Emotional Abuse
- Constant yelling
- Demeaning remarks
- Being rejected or ignored
- Threats
- Verbal attacks
- Exposure to domestic violence
Sexual Abuse:
- Invitation to sexual touching
- Being touched sexually
- Exposing genitals
- Exposing to pornography
Neglect: Failing to provide:
- Adequate food and shelter
- Safety
- Medical or phychological treatment
- Supervision
- Clothing
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Everyone reacts differently to abuse and neglect.
Signs of abuse and neglect can vary greatly from
one child to another.
Signs of abuse include:
- Facial injuries in infants and preschool
children
- Several injuries that are in various stages
of healing
- Afraid of adults
- Extreme aggression
- Extreme withdrawal
- Severe depression
- Frequent absence from school
- Engaged in delinquent acts or alcohol/drug
abuse
- Sexually explicit drawing or descriptions
- Prostitution
- Seductive behaviour
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Sometimes abuse goes on
for a long time, and kids don't want to tell because
they think they did something wrong.
Even if the person hurting you says it's a game
or that you'll get in trouble if you say anything,
you should tell anyway. You haven't done
anything wrong. You won't get in trouble
for talking to a professional.
If you are worried about yourself or a friend,
please talk to someone you trust. You can talk
to a teacher or your principal, or you can call
us.
A grown-up that you trust can help you. He or
she can help you speak with someone at the Children's
Aid Society to talk about your problems and ways
to keep you safe.
You are important to us. You can call us anytime--
day or night, to talk about your problems, or
to ask for help. We are here to keep you safe.
You can also call the
Kid's Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868.
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