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
Living in a world of neglect: S.A.I.N. helps families move on

Lacharité, Carl
Chamberland, Claire
Baraldi, Rosanna

2004
Maltreatment rates in children with developmental delay

Brown, Ivan
Schormans, Ann Fudge

2004
Mapping Adolescent Health Risk Behaviours

Wekerle, Christine
Wall, Anne-Marie
Knoke, Della

2004
Measuring Child Sexual Abuse in Children and Youth

Walsh, Christine A.
Jamieson, Ellen
MacMillan, Harriet
Trocmé, Nico

2004
Physical abuse of children in the context of punishment

Trocmé, Nico
Durrant, Joan
Ensom, Ron
Marwah, Inder

2004
Physical harm and family composition: Maltreated children with developmental delay

Brown, Ivan
Schormans, Ann Fudge

2004
Physical punishment of children

Durrant, Joan
Ensom, Ron

2004
Predicting Abuse in Adolescent Dating Relationships Over 1 Year: The Role of Child Maltreatment and Trauma

Wolfe, David
Wekerle, Christine
Scott, Katreena
Straatman, Anna-Lee
Grasley, Carolyn

2004
Promotion of family wellness and prevention of child maltreatment: Which programs are effective?

MacLeod, Jennifer
Nelson, Geoffrey
Desmarais, Sonia

2004
Risk assessment in child welfare

Knoke, Della
Trocmé, Nico

2004