Child Abuse & Neglect
Child abuse and neglect include acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver that result in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child. The five primary forms of maltreatment are physical abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, emotional maltreatment and exposure to domestic violence.
For a document that outlines definitions of frequently used terms in child abuse and neglect research, see the page with the glossary of social work and child maltreatment related terms.
You can get more information on the signs of child maltreatment from the Family Violence Initiative, operated by the Department of Justice of Canada. You can also contact Kid’s Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for further information.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, or are looking for information about services for children or families experiencing difficulties you can contact your local child welfare authority. Click here to find the local child authority agency in your province or territory. Please visit our FAQs section to learn more about child abuse and neglect.
Title![]() |
Authors | Year | Type of Publication |
---|---|---|---|
Gender as a predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms and externalizing behavior problems in sexually abused children |
Gauthier-Duchesne, Amélie
Hébert, Martine
Daspe, Marie-Ève |
2017 | Journal article |
15-YEAR-OLD LEVI: An Investigative Review |
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta |
2017 | Report |
18-YEAR-OLD PETER: An Investigative Review |
Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Alberta |
2017 | Report |
A Comparative Study of Parental Sensitivity Between Three Groups of Adolescent Mothers |
Paquette, Daniel |
2004 | Journal article |
A comparison of First Nations and non-Aboriginal children investigated for maltreatment in Canada in 2003 |
MacLaurin, Bruce |
2011 | Information sheet |
A controlled evaluation of family behavior therapy in concurrent child neglect and drug abuse |
Donohue, Brad |
2014 | Journal article |
A cross-national exploration of societal-level factors associated with child physical abuse and neglect |
Klevens, Joanne |
2017 | Journal article |
A developmental approach to the risk of a first recurrence in child protective services |
Hélie, Sonia |
2013 | Journal article |
A Further Look at Food Insecurity among Ontario’s Child Welfare Involved Population |
Fallon, Barbara |
2017 | Information sheet |
A Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography Focusing on Aspects of Aboriginal Child Welfare in Canada |
Bennett, Marlyn |
2002 | Other |