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.

Filter by Publication Date Range
Title Authors Year
Addressing the effects of child maltreatment through the lens of domestic violence

Lawson, Ann
Gardiner, Susan
Johansson, Bjorn
MacLaurin, Bruce
Giray, Elif
Crockford, Tina

2006
Addressing the Effects of Child Maltreatment through the Lens of Domestic Violence

Lawson, Ann
Gardiner, Susan
MacLaurin, Bruce
Johansson, Bjorn

2006
Attributions and Coping in Sexually Abused Adolescents Referred for Group Treatment

Daigneault, Isabelle
Hébert, Martine
Tourigny, Marc

2006
Awareness and Detection of the Co-Occurrence of Interparental Violence and Child Abuse: Child Welfare Worker's Perspective

Bourassa, Chantal
Lavergne, Chantal
Damant, Dominique
Lessard, Geneviève
Turcotte, Pierre

2006
BC's Children in Care: Improving Data and Outcomes Reporting

McKinnon, Ian

2006
Changes for Children: Strengthening the Commitment to Child Welfare-- Response to the External Reviews into the Child and Family Services System

Department of Family Services and Housing

2006
Collaborate with caution: protecting children, helping mothers

Davies, Linda
Krane, Julia

2006
Conditions for Resolving Controversies Between Social Actors in Domestic Violence and Youth Protection Services: Toward Innovative Collaborative Practices

Lessard, Geneviève
Lavergne, Chantal
Chamberland, Claire
Damant, Dominique
Turcotte, Daniel

2006
Correlates of Behavioral Outcomes in Sexually Abused Children

Hébert, Martine
Tremblay, Caroline
Parent, Nathalie
Daigneault, Isabelle
Piché, Christiane

2006
Distinguishing Physical Punishment from Physical Abuse: Implications for Professionals

Durrant, Joan E.

2006