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
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
New Brunswick Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect Protocols

The Government of New Brunswick

2005
Northwest Territories Incidence Study of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect-2003 (NWTIS-2003): Major Findings

MacLaurin, Bruce
Trocmé, Nico
Fallon, Barbara
Pitman, Lisa
McCormack, Megan

2005
Ontario incidence study of reported child abuse and neglect 2003 (OIS 2003): Major Findings Report

Fallon, Barbara
Trocmé, Nico
MacLaurin, Bruce
Knoke, Della
Black, Tara
Daciuk, Joanne
Felstiner, Caroline

2005
Pathways to the overrepresentation of Aboriginal children in care

Gough, Pamela
Trocmé, Nico
Brown, Ivan
Knoke, Della
Blackstock, Cindy

2005