Child abuse consists of any act, or failure to act, that endangers a child’s physical or emotional health and development. A child may display signs indicated in the following text, however this is not conclusive evidence that abuse is taking place. It is important to be aware of the indicators, behavioural changes and the presence of these signs in clusters and not just the presence of one indicator.

While most child abuse happens in the child’s home, large numbers of cases of child abuse have been identified within some organizations involving children, such as churches, schools, child care businesses, and in particular native residential schools or in government agencies. It also sometimes occurs almost anywhere (eg kidnappings, random murders etc. Most child abuse cases involve a male abusing a child. Abuse towards a child from a female is rare and most of the time it is provoked by a male within the household.

Causes of Child Abuse

Find common causes and risk factors of Child Abuse:

• Alcohol or drug abuse.
• Physical or mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Stress, including the stress of caring for children, or the stress of caring for a child with a disability, special needs, or difficult behaviors.
• Personal problems such as marital conflict, unemployment, or financial difficulties.
• Personal history of being abused.

Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse

Sign and symptoms may include the following:

• infection.
• Difficulty in walking or sitting.