What is Abuse?

When a child is hurt intentionally, or when a parent or caregiver fails to protect a child in their care. It is against the law.

There are different kinds of child abuse:

• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• emotional abuse

What is Physical Abuse?

• Physical abuse is any deliberate physical force or action (usually by a parent or caregiver) that results, or could result, in injury to a child.
• It can include punching, slapping, beating, shaking, burning, biting or throwing a child. It’s stronger than what’s considered reasonable discipline.

What is Sexual Abuse?

• Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult or an older child. Coercion (physical, psychological or emotional) is intrinsic to sexual abuse. This is what distinguishes it from consensual play with peers.
  

What is Emotional Abuse?

• Emotional abuse is a pattern of behaviour that attacks a child’s emotional development and sense of self worth. It includes excessive, aggressive or unreasonable demands that place expectations on a child beyond his or her capacity.
• Such acts include constantly criticizing, teasing, belittling, insulting, rejecting, ignoring, or isolating the child. This kind of abuse also includes failure by a parent or caregiver to provide their children with love, emotional support, and guidance

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