05-06 Child Abuse - Definitions

Question 1

Child Abuse no person having charge of a child shall:

Answer 1

 inflict abuse (physical, sexual or sexual exploitation) on the child; or
 by failing to care and provide for or supervise and protect the child adequately,
- permit the child to suffer abuse or
- permit the child to suffer from a mental, emotional or development condition that, if not remedied, could serioiusly impair the child’s development.
[Source: Child, Youth and Family Services Act ss.136 (1)(2)]

Question 2

Child Physical Abuse where the circumstances could be a violation of the Criminal Code and/or render the child in need of protection under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, and where the alleged abuser (whether adult or child) has responsibility for the care of the child victim. Child Physical Abuse refers to an offence where a child is victimized by an abuser and includes all of the following:

Answer 2

 physical assaults, emotional abuse, or neglect occurrences when the victim is under 18 years of age and the suspect is a caregiver, parent or a person in a position of trust or authority;
 abductions when the victim is under the age of 16 years of age;
 occurrences entitled Child in Need of Protection or Child Left Unattended
 homicides when the victim is under the age of 18 years and the suspect is a caregiver, parent, or person in a position of trust or authority
 physical offences when the victim is under the age of 18 years and there are clear developmental differences between the victim and the suspect.

Question 3

Child Sexual Abuse means the use of a child by an adult for sexual purposes, whether or not consent is alleged to have been given, which could be a violation of the Criminal Code and/or could place a child in need of protection under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act. Child sexual abuse can include:

Answer 3

 incest;
 acts of exposure;
 sexual touching;
 sexual intercourse;
 sexual molestation;
 inappropriate sexual language;
 sexual harassment;
 exhibitionism;
 exploitation of child for pornography or prostitution.

Question 4

Designated Child Abuse Investigator means:

Answer 4

a specially trained police officer who is responsible for the criminal investigation of child sexual and physical abuse cases.

Question 5

Designated Children’s Aid Society Worker means:

Answer 5

a trained Children’s Aid Society specialist who is responsible for the child protection investigation and the protection of the child.

Question 6

Team (Child Abuse Investigation) means:

Answer 6

a designated Child Abuse Investigator and a Children’s Aid Society specialist, who shall conduct interviews together and communicate at every stage of the investigation.