Child abuse happens when a child's parent or other person in charge harms or neglects a child.

What are the types of child abuse?

In general, there are four major types of child abuse:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional abuse
• neglect

What is physical child abuse?

Physical abuse could result from a parent or person in charge causing physical injury to a child, or failing to adequately supervise a child or from a pattern of neglect of the child. Here are some examples of physical abuse:

• beating
• slapping
• hitting
• pushing
• throwing
• shaking
• burning

A child who is physically abused may:

• have burns, bite marks, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
• not want to go home
• be afraid of adults

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse happens when a parent or other person in charge sexually molests or uses a child for sexual purposes or knowingly fails to protect a child from sexual abuse. Here are some examples of sexual abuse:

• any sexual act between an adult and a child, including intercourse
• fondling
• exposing a child to adult sexual activity
• sexual exploitation through child prostitution or child pornography

A child who is sexually abused may:

• have an inappropriate knowledge of sexual acts
• be very compliant or extremely aggressive
• be afraid of a certain person or a family member
• have difficulty walking or sitting

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse occurs when a parent or other person in charge causes emotional harm or fails to protect a child from emotional harm that results from verbal abuse, mental abuse and psychological abuse.

Here are some examples of emotional abuse:

• yelling at, screaming at, threatening, frightening, or bullying a child
• humiliating the child, name-calling, making negative comparisons to others, or saying things like: "You're no good. You're worthless. You're bad. Having you was a mistake."
• showing little to no physical affection (such as hugs) or words of affection (praise or saying "I love you.")
• saying that everything is the child's fault.
• withdrawing attention, giving the child the "cold shoulder"
• confining a child in a closet or a dark room, or tying the child to a chair for long periods of time
• allowing the child to be present during violent behavior of others, including the physical abuse of others

A child who is emotionally abused may :

• show signs of serious anxiety, depression or withdrawal
• show self-destructive or aggressive behaviour
• show delays physical, emotional or mental development

What is neglect?

Neglect happens when a child's parent or other person in charge does not provide for a child's physical, developmental, emotional or psychological needs.

Here are some examples of neglect:

• failing to provide:
• • proper food
  • clothing suitable for the weather
  • supervision
  • a home that is clean and safe
  • medical care, as needed
• failing to provide emotional support, love and affection

A child who is neglected may:

• not wear clothing that's suitable for the weather
• be dirty or unbathed
• be very hungry
• not be properly supervised

Learn more

These are only some examples and signs of child abuse. You can find out more information by visiting the following websites:

• Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies
• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police