In various races and different cultures, it is generally accepted that parents should love and care for their children. Yet in some circumstances, it is prevalent in our society that there are children who are being neglected, or even being abused.

What Is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is any act of omission or commission that endangers or impairs a child�s physical or mental health and development.

Types

Physical abuse: non-accidental physical injuries which exceed reasonable child discipline.

Sexual abuse: sexual interference; invitation to sexual touch; procuring sexual activities from a child, etc.

Emotional abuse: emotional harm resultant from constant yelling, rejection, isolation, terrorization etc.

Neglect: failure to provide basic needs such as adequate food, clothing, sleep, safety, supervision or medical treatment.

Parenting suggestions

• Adopt more positive means in parenting. Discard some traditional Chinese values (e.g. punishment the idea that is used to produce filial piety and obedience was considered the principal virtue and a basic obligation of any child.) The fact is that children who have experienced excessive child discipline may become rebellious and frustrated. Apart from ruining the parent-child relationship, there will be long lasting and detrimental effects upon a child�s growth and development.
• Do not believe that �Parenting is a family matter and it has nothing to do with others.� The fact is that we should all care about children. Any act which creates substantial risk or harm to a child is against the law. Perpetrators (which may include child�s parents, family members or other caregivers) are liable to be held legally responsible. Everyone is responsible for reporting child abuse or neglect when there are reasonable grounds to even suspect a child may be in need of protection. Delay in reporting abuse can place a child at further risk.
• Mandated by the Child & Family Services Act, with the responsibility of providing protection for children in need, Children�s Aid Societies (CAS) work closely with families, foster homes, courts, police and other communities service agencies to promote the best interests of children they serve.

What should you do if a child discloses abuse?

• It is important for you to keep calm, accept and trust the child. Encourage the child to tell what happened in his/her words. Let the child know what has happened is not his/her fault. Assure him/her that you will try your best to help them.
• As soon as possible after a disclosure of abuse or neglect, contact the police or Children�s Aid Society (CAS).
  
  

Services

Police Emergency Hotline 911 (24-hour service)

Metro Toronto Children�s Aid Societies (CAS)
Tel: (416) 924-4646 (English)

Catholic Children�s Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS)
Tel: (416) 395-1500

Chinese Family Services of Ontario
Tel: (416) 979-8299 (Chinese)