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 Sort ascending
Polyvictimization in a child welfare sample of children and youths	Cyr, Katie Chamberland, Claire Lessard, Geneviève Clément, Marie-Ève Wemmers, Jo-Anne Collin-Vézina, Delphine Gangé, Marie-Hélène Damant, Dominique	2012
CIS-2008 Major Findings Supplementary Tables: Household Source of Income by Primary Substantiated Maltreatment and Risk	Allan, Kate Lefebvre, Rachael Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara	2012
Experiences of Albertan Youth 2008/2009	Child and Youth Data Laboratory	2012
Failures in Children’s Protection in Newfoundland and Labrador: From the Hughes (1991) to Markesteyn and Day (2006) Inquiries and Beyond	Devine, Mike Kimberley, Dennis	2012
Polyvictimization and victimization of children and youth: Results from a populational survey	Cyr, Katie Chamberland, Claire Clément, Marie-Ève Lessard, Geneviève Wemmers, Jo-Anne Collin-Vézina, Delphine Gangé, Marie-Hélène Damant, Dominique	2012
Children's best interests and intimate partner violence in the Canadian family law and child protection systems	Hughes, Judy Chau, Shirley	2012
Household Composition and Characteristics in Maltreatment-Related Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Leslie, Bruce Lefebvre, Rachael Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012
Early childhood development: Adverse experiences and developmental health	Boivin, Michel Hertzman, Clyde Barr, Ronald G. Boyce, W. Thomas Fleming, Alison MacMillan, Harriet Odgers, Candice Sokolowski, Marla B. Trocmé, Nico	2012
Working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Families who have Experienced Family Violence: A Practice Guide for Child Welfare Professionals	Steering Committe Native Child & Family Services: Charlene Avalos Chiefs of Ontario: Lillian Baibomcowai-Dell Ottawa Inuit Children Centre: Karen Baker Anderson Native Women’s Centre of Hamilton: Linda Ense Métis Nation of Ontario: Shelley Gonneville Ontario Native Women’s Association: Betty Kennedy Weechi-it-te-win Family Services: Leona McGinnis Tikinagan Child & Family Services: Thelma Morris Ontario Native Women’s Association: Kathy Sky Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres: Terry Swan Writer Catalyst Research and Communications: Joan Riggs	2012
A Profile of Customized and Traditional Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Van Wert, Melissa Lefebvre, Rachael Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012