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Child Protection

What are the types of child abuse?

In general, there are four major types of child abuse:
Physical AbuseSexual Abuse
Emotional AbuseNeglect

Physical Child Abuse

Physical abuse could result from a parent or person in charge causing physical injury to a child, or failing to adequately supervise a child or from a pattern of neglect of the child. 

Here are some examples of physical abuse:

  • Beating
  • Slapping
  • Hitting
  • Pushing
  • Throwing
  • Shaking
  • Burning
A child who is physically abused may:
  • Have burns, bite marks, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
  • Not want to go home
  • Be afraid of adults

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse happens when a parent or other person in charge sexually molests or uses a child for sexual purposes or knowingly fails to protect a child from sexual abuse.

Here are some examples of sexual abuse:

  • Any sexual act between an adult and a child, including intercourse
  • Fondling
  • Exposing a child to adult sexual activity
  • Sexual exploitation through child prostitution or child pornography
  • Any sexual act between an adult and a child, including intercourse
  • Fondling
  • Exposing a child to adult sexual activity
  • Sexual exploitation through child prostitution or child pornography

Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse occurs when a parent or other person in charge causes emotional harm or fails to protect a child from emotional harm that results from verbal abuse, mental abuse and psychological abuse.
Here are some examples of emotional abuse:
  • Yelling at, screaming at, threatening, frightening, or bullying a child
  • Humiliating the child, name-calling, making negative comparisons to others, or saying things like: “You’re no good. You’re worthless. You’re bad. Having you was a mistake.”
  • Showing little to no physical affection (such as hugs) or words of affection (praise or saying “I love you.”)
  • Saying that everything is the child’s fault.
  • Withdrawing attention, giving the child the “cold shoulder”
  • Confining a child in a closet or a dark room, or tying the child to a chair for long periods of time
  • Allowing the child to be present during violent behavior of others, including the physical abuse of others
  • Yelling at, screaming at, threatening, frightening, or bullying a child
  • Humiliating the child, name-calling, making negative comparisons to others, or saying things like: “You’re no good. You’re worthless. You’re bad. Having you was a mistake.”
  • Showing little to no physical affection (such as hugs) or words of affection (praise or saying “I love you.”)
  • Saying that everything is the child’s fault.
  • Withdrawing attention, giving the child the “cold shoulder”
  • Confining a child in a closet or a dark room, or tying the child to a chair for long periods of time
  • Allowing the child to be present during violent behavior of others, including the physical abuse of others
A child who is emotionally abused may:
  • Show signs of serious anxiety, depression or withdrawal
  • Show self-destructive or aggressive behaviour
  • Show delays physical, emotional or mental development

What Is Neglect?

Neglect happens when a child’s parent or other person in charge does not provide for a child’s physical, developmental, emotional or psychological needs.

Here are some examples of neglect:
  • Failing to provide:
    • Proper food
    • Clothing suitable for the weather
    • Supervision
    • A home that is clean and safe
    • Medical care, as needed
  • Failing to provide emotional support, love and affection
A child who is neglected may:
  • Not wear clothing that’s suitable for the weather
  • Be dirty or unbathed
  • Be very hungry
  • Not be properly supervised

Learn More

These are only some examples and signs of child abuse. You can find out more information by visiting the following website: Ontario Association of Children’ Aid Societies