Child abuse

Children and youth are particularly vulnerable members of the family. Due to their age, physical size and reliance on adults, children may suffer disproportionally to abuse and neglect.

The Child, Family and Community Service Act requires that anyone who has reason to believe that a child or youth that has been or is likely to be abused or neglected, and that the parents is unwilling or unable to protect the child must report the suspected abuse or neglect to a child welfare worker. If there is immediate risk to the safety or well being of the child or youth then contact police.

Youth and children may be victimized by many different forms of abuse and neglect such as physical, emotional and sexual harm.

Children and youth may disclose directly to adults the abuse they face at home or make third-party statements in reference to themselves. There may also be physical and behavioural indications that a child or youth is facing abuse and neglect. By themselves, warning signs do not prove abuse or neglect, but should be brought to the attention of a child welfare worker for proper assessment.

Some physical indications may include: injuries at different stages of healing, injuries in unusual places such as the ears, neck, trunk etc. or injuries that pattern looks like it may have been caused by an object. There are also a number of behavioural and emotional indications that may suggest the child is facing abuse or neglect.

It is important to remember that the totality of the child’s condition be assessed by a professional to determine potential harm if direct harm is not observed.

Please contact the Dawson Creek RCMP by dialling 9-11 or 250-784-3700 if you fear for a child or youth’s immediate safety, if there are non-immediate concerns then please contact the Ministry of Child & Family Development.