We All Have a Responsibility
Children and youth develop in communities. We all have a role to play in keeping young people safe.
Suspect Abuse?
When child abuse is exposed, we often learn that people had their suspicions but were too uncertain or afraid to do anything about them. It is important to know how you can help create safer communities by recognizing the signs of abuse and understanding your responsibility to speak up. It is, in fact, your legal duty to report suspected child abuse.
Here is what to look for—and what to do—when you suspect abuse.
What to Look For
Abuse can result in functional, emotional and behavioural changes in children. It’s important to know what to look for and pay attention when a child begins to show signs that have no reasonable explanation.
Things to look for include:
Sudden changes in behaviour or performance
Unexplained injuries or injuries that don’t match the child’s explanation of the injuries
Extreme behaviours like aggression, avoidance or withdrawal
Sexual knowledge or behaviour beyond a child’s stage of development
Children who don’t want to be at home or who run away from home
Always hungry, sick, or not suitably dressed for the conditions or environment
Every child responds differently to abuse but these signs can be indicators that something is happening within a child’s life that needs to be explored further.
How to Respond
A child may come to a trusted adult because they believe you can help. It is common to feel panic, fear, hopelessness, disbelief, anger or sadness. It is important to set aside personal feelings and stay calm. Initial reactions are critical for the child’s path to healing.
Listen. Believe.
Allow the child to do most of the talking. Disclosures rarely come in clear statements. If you need more understanding about the context, use an open-ended question or phrase such as “Tell me more.”
Do not investigate for details once you suspect abuse.
Reassure the child that telling you was the right thing to do.
Explain to the child that you will need to tell someone who can help them. You cannot keep it a secret.
Document any comments verbatim, including those made by the child, parent, caregiver, or anyone else relevant to the situation.
Reporting Abuse
If you suspect abuse, immediately call your local police detachment or Children’s Services to flag your suspicions.
You do not need to have proof to report. But if you have a suspicion or concern, you have a duty to report. It is the law.
Call Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
Calling the hotline will connect you to a Child Intervention caseworker. Service is available 24 hours a day in multiple languages. You can remain anonymous or share your name and telephone number. If you choose to share, this information is never revealed to anyone.
Other sources of help:
Calgary Police Service at 403-266-1264
Find your local RCMP detachment here
Calgary Children’s Services at 403-297-2995
Online Exploitation at cybertip.ca
Our recent “Be the Light” campaign works to bring awareness to signs of child abuse and how to report it. Visit the campaign page and share it with others. We all have a role to play in preventing abuse.
