Unit 5: Addressing Social Challenges Flashcards
What is Neglect?
Failure to provide what a child needs for their development, such as the following:
Basic physical health care
Supervision
Nutrition needs
Emotional nurturing
Education
Safe housing
What is Child Abuse?
Physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child
Potential threat or harm of a child.
Physical aggression directed at a child by an adult.
Causes of Abuse
In some cases, parents believe they are helping guide their child. (e.g. taking discipline too far)
Many abusers don’t know any differently because they were abused as children.
Anger and frustration are often involved in child abuse cases.
Adults may know little about child development and expect too much of a child.
Substance abuse is involved in more than half of all reported cases.
Potential Abusers
Abusers may be:
Parents
Stepparents
Older siblings
Relatives
Non-related adults living in the house.
In recent years, the rate of infants or children suffering abuse at the hands of a mother’s boyfriend has increased.
Physical Signs of Abuse
Unexplained:
cuts
bruises
burns
broken bones
brain/eye injuries (as is the case with shaken baby syndrome)
Emotional Signs of Abuse
Low self-esteem
Highly sensitive reactions
Acting out with other children
Sudden interest and knowledge of sexual terms
Physical Abuse
Involves deliberately using force against a child in such a way that the child is injured or at risk of being injured.
Includes: Beating, Pushing, Choking, Burning, Holding a child under water, etc
Emotional Abuse
Involves harming a child’s sense of self
Includes: Verbal threats, Social isolation, Withholding love and affection, Intimidating or Exposing them family violence
Sexual Abuse
Involves using a child for sexual purposes.
Includes: Fondling, Inviting a child to touch or be touched sexually, intercourse, incest, rape, pornography, etc.
Getting Help
Children who suffer from abuse often feel they cannot speak for themselves, and need others to speak up for them.
If an adult ever suspects a child is being abused, they have a duty to report. (You do not need proof - just suspicion based on good reasons)
In Ontario, Children’s Aid Society will investigate if notified of a potential child abuse situation.
Children’s Aid Society
Anyone under 18 is protected by Children’s Aid. The age of protection was raised in 2018 - it used to be 16.
Once 18, incidents of abuse must be reported to the police. (But CAS still assists in youth cases)
If abuse is reported, children are often removed from their home during the investigation.
Other Community Supports
Kid’s Help Phone
Big Brothers and Sisters
Shelters like Women’s Centre of York Region or Belinda’s Place
