Recognize the signs, know what to do.

Types of abuse

Abuse can take many forms. Understanding the types of abuse that children and youth often experience can help you recognize when abuse is occurring.

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is the inappropriate exposure or subjection of a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour. It can include “non-touching” activities and exploitation.

Physical abuse

Any act causing trauma or injury to a child’s body amounts to physical abuse. This is the most visible form of abuse, and it often results from severe corporal punishment. Physical abuse is a pattern and often grows more severe over time. 

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse is an attack on a child’s self-concept or self-worth. It can include things like rejection, criticism, threats and humiliation; deprivation of affection; exposure to domestic violence; and exposure to chronic alcohol or drug use. It is a pattern of ongoing behaviour and often occurs alongside other forms of abuse.

Neglect

Neglect occurs when a caregiver or guardian is unable or unwilling to provide a child in their care with the necessities of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, essential medical treatment, education or adequate supervision. In general, neglect is failing to provide basic care and, at a more fundamental and painful level, failing to provide love and affection.

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, performance or emotion

• Unexplained marks or bruises, or explanations of how the injuries happened that don’t match what the injuries look like

• 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.

Learn More

Book A Workshop:

Luna offers workshops for working professionals, aiming to educate participants about the role of Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, effective strategies for preventing child abuse, and the essential steps to recognize, respond, and report suspected abuse.

Sign The Child Abuse Prevention Pledge:

Child abuse is preventable and everyone has a role to play in ensuring that every child and youth can grow up in a community that’s safe and nurturing.

As part of our child abuse prevention strategy, we've developed a community pledge, to help raise awareness for the issue of child abuse in our communities.

By signing the Child Abuse Prevention Pledge, you are taking an important step toward creating a safer environment for children. You will become a voice for the voiceless, a champion for their rights, and a guardian of their well-being.