CECW Information Sheet #34E. Toronto, ON: University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work.
Child maltreatment refers to the abuse (violence, harm, mistreatment) or neglect a child or youth may have experienced, be experiencing, or could be at substantial risk of experiencing, while in the care of someone the child trusts or depends upon, such as a parent, caregiver, teacher or coach. Manitoba’s Child and Family Services Act and Canada’s Criminal code define which kinds of behaviour and conditions are so potentially harmful that it is necessary to have intervention for the well-being of the child. The Child and Family Services Act defines child abuse as an act, or failure to act, by any person, which results in a child experiencing physical injury, emotional disability of a permanent nature, or sexual exploitation.