Definitions - Child Abuse

Question 1

no person having charge of a child shall
a) inflict abuse (physical, sexual or sexual exploitation) on the child; or
b) by failing to care and provide for or supervise and protect the child adequately,
i. permit the child to suffer abuse or
ii. permit the child to suffer from a mental, emotional or development condition that, if not remedied, could
seriously impair the child’s development. [Source: Child, Youth and Family Services Act ss.136 (1)(2)]

Answer 1

Child Abuse

Question 2

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:
 physical assaults, emotional abuse, or neglect occurrences when the victim is under eighteen (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 sixteen (16) years of age;
 occurrences entitled Child in Need of Protection or Child Left Unattended
 homicides when the victim is under the age of eighteen (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 eighteen (18) years and there are clear developmental
differences between the victim and the suspect.

Answer 2

Child Physical Abuse

Question 3

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

Answer 3

Child Sexual Abuse

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Designated Child Abuse Investigator

Question 5

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

Answer 5

Designated Children’s Aid Society Worker

Question 6

means 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.

Answer 6

Team (Child Abuse Investigation)