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
The robust association between childhood physical abuse and osteoarthritis in adulthood: Findings from a representative community sample	Fuller-Thomson, Esme Stefanyk, Maria Brennenstuhl, Sarah	2009
The role of parental stress, mother’s childhood abuse and perceived consequences of violence in predicting attitudes and attribution in favor of corporal punishment	Clément, Marie-Ève Chamberland, Claire	2009
The Role of Protestant children’s homes in nineteenth century Ontario: child rescue or family support?	Neff, Charlotte	2009
Understanding the Association Between Maltreatment History and Adolescent Risk Behavior by Examining Popularity Motivations and Peer Group Control		2009
Voices of Passion, Voices of Hope	McKay, Sharon	2009
What Canadian Youth Tell Us About Disclosing Abuse	Ungar, Michael Tutty, Leslie M. McConnell, Sheri Barter, Ken Fairholm, Judi	2009
Where is the Justice? Parental Experiences of the Canadian Justice System in Cases of Child Sexual Abuse	Alaggia, Ramona Lambert, Elizabeth Regehr, Cheryl	2009
Alberta incidence study of reported child abuse and neglect (AIS-2003): Rates of child maltreatment	MacLaurin, Bruce Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara McCormack, Megan Pitman, Lisa	2008
Alberta incidence study of reported child abuse and neglect (AIS-2003): Service dispositions for substantiated child maltreatment	MacLaurin, Bruce Trocmé, Nico Fallon, Barbara Pitman, Lisa McCormack, Megan	2008
An Historical Perspective on Family Violence & Child Abuse	Bala, Nicholas	2008