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
Physical abuse of children in Canada

MacLaurin, Bruce
Trocmé, Nico
Fallon, Barbara
Chaze, Ferzana
Black, Tara
Lajoie, Jules

2005
Sexual abuse of children in Canada

Fallon, Barbara
Lajoie, Jules
Trocmé, Nico
Chaze, Ferzana
MacLaurin, Bruce
Black, Tara

2005
Treatment of Child Neglect: A Systematic Review

Allin, Heather
Wathen, C. Nadine
MacMillan, Harriet

2005
Victimization during childhood and revictimization in dating relationships in adolescent girls

Marie-Hélène Gagné
Francine Lavoie
Martine Hébert

2005
A Comparative Study of Parental Sensitivity Between Three Groups of Adolescent Mothers

Paquette, Daniel
Zoccolillo, Mark
Bigras, Marc
Labelle, Marie-Ève
Azar, Rima
Emery, Jacinthe

2004
A Longitudinal study of the effects of chronic maltreatment on children’s behavioral and emotional problems

Ethier, Louise S.

Lemelin, Jean-Pascal

Lacharité, Carl

2004
Consultation sur la révision de la Loi sur la protection de la jeunesse

Mayer, Micheline
Chamberland, Claire
Geoffrion, Yvonne

2004
False Allegations of Abuse and Neglect

Knott, Theresa
Trocmé, Nico
Bala, Nicholas

2004
Injuries caused by child abuse and neglect

Montgomery, Victor
Trocmé, Nico

2004
L'Adaptation Scolaire des Enfants Ayant Dévoilé une Agression Sexuelle

Daigneault, Isabelle
Hébert, Martine

2004