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
Previous Case Openings in Substantiated Child Maltreatment Investigations in Ontario in 2008	Ma, Jennifer Smith, Carrie Van Wert, Melissa Fallon, Barbara	2012
Primary Category of Substantiated Child Maltreatment in Ontario in 1993, 1998, 2003, and 2008	Van Wert, Melissa Smith, Carrie Ma, Jennifer Fallon, Barbara	2012
Responding to child maltreatment in Canada: Context for international comparisons	Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico Fluke, John Van Wert, Melissa MacLaurin, Bruce Sinha, Vandna Helie, Sonia Turcotte, Daniel	2012
Risky business: An ecological analysis of intimate partner violence disclosure	Alaggia, Ramona Regehr, Cheryl Jenney, Angelique	2012
Sexual Abuse Investigations by Level of Substantiation in Canada in 2008	Lefebvre, Rachael Van Wert, Melissa Fallon, Barbara Trocmé, Nico	2012
Supervisory neglect and risk of harm. Evidence from the Canadian child welfare system.	Ruiz-Casares, Mónica Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara	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 comparison of First Nations and non-Aboriginal children investigated for maltreatment in Canada in 2003	MacLaurin, Bruce Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara Blackstock, Cindy Pitman, Lisa McCormack, Megan	2011
Anxiety and/or depression in 10-15-year-olds investigated by child welfare in Canada	Tonmyr, Lil Williams, Gabriela Hovdestad, Wendy E. Draca, Jasminka	2011
British Columbia Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect - 2008 (BCIS-2008)	MacLaurin, Bruce Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara Sinha, Vandna Douglas, Janet Barker, Alison Horvath, Scott Hamilton, Laura Gail, Jordan Kitt, Olivia Zelt, Carolyn Fast, Elizabeth Thomas-Prokop, Shelley Hutcheon, Emily Budgell, Danielle Daoust, Gabrielle	2011