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
Child Neglect in Canada

Roy, Catherine
Black, Tara
Trocmé, Nico
MacLaurin, Bruce
Fallon, Barbara

2005
Children’s Exposure to Domestic Violence in Canada

Black, Tara
Trocmé, Nico
Fallon, Barbara
MacLaurin, Bruce
Roy, Catherine
Lajoie, Jules

2005
Comparing Dissociation and PTSD in Sexually Abused School-Aged Girls

Collin-Vézina, Delphine
Hébert, Martine

2005
Detecting psychological maltreatment: Blows to the head and the heart...

Malo, Claire
Gagné, Marie-Hélène
Labrecque, Stéphane

2005
Disciplining Children in Québec: Parenting norms and practices in 2004

Clément, Marie-Ève
Chamberland, Claire
Aubin, Jacynthe
Dubeau, Denis

2005
Effectiveness of Home Visitation by Public-Health Nurses in Prevention of the Recurrence of Child Physical Abuse and Neglect: a Randomised Controlled Trial

MacMillan, Harriet
Thomas, B Helen
Jamieson, Ellen
Walsh, Christine A.
Boyle, Michael
Shannon, Harry
Gafni, Amiram

2005
Efficacy of a Group Therapy for Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls

Tourigny, Marc
Hébert, Martine
Daigneault, Isabelle
Simoneau, Ann Claude

2005
False Allegations of Abuse and Neglect when Parents Separate

Trocmé, Nico
Bala, Nicholas

2005
Family Violence Research: Lessons Learned and Where From Here?

MacMillan, Harriet
Wathen, C. Nadine

2005
Making Appropriate Parenting Arrangements in Family Violence Cases: Applying the Literature to Identify Promising Practices

Jaffe, Peter G.
Crooks, Claire V.
Bala, Nicholas

2005