Child abuse ... a major problem in Ontario

Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies
News Release

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TORONTO – Last year, more than 29,000 children in Ontario suffered maltreatment and came into the care of Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies, an increase of 24% since 2000/2001.

The number of children and families receiving services from Children’s Aid Societies keeps increasing, indicating that our society must continue to take the necessary steps to end child abuse and neglect. In 2006/2007, Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies received more than 160,000 calls about child protection concerns from citizens, neighbours, health professionals, teachers or police officers, up 25% from 2000/2001. During the same period, almost 44,000 families received child welfare services and parenting supports from a Children’s Aid Society to cope with stress, poverty, addiction and mental health problems, 33% more than in 2000/2001.

“Our children are precious and the most vulnerable citizens of our society, they deserve a life free of fear and violence,” said Jeanette Lewis, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS). “Each of us has a responsibility to protect them from abuse and harm by learning the signs of child abuse and reporting suspected child abuse to a Children’s Aid Society.”

According to the Ontario Incidence Study released in 2005, almost 5% of children in Ontario, about 130,000 children, were possibly abused or neglected. The study also showed that: nearly a third of all investigations of abuse (32%)involved exposure to domestic violence;

27% involved neglect;

15% involved emotional abuse;

10% were physical abuse cases; and

3% involved sexual abuse

“When we, as Canadians, ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, we promised to protect children from abuse. It is time we kept our promise to Canada’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Agnes Samler, Provincial Advocate for Children and Youth.

Children suffer abuse or neglect when an adult, caregiver, family friend or stranger physically hurts or sexually molests a child, fails to provide proper care or deprives a child of support and affection. Too many children in our communities are suffering abuse at the hands of adults they
know and trust. That’s why, for the past 15 years, Ontario’s Children’s Aid Societies have been educating and building awareness during October – Child Abuse Prevention Month – to ensure children and youth are safe, healthy and well cared for.

This year, our theme is “Abused children don’t always look it” to remind the public that child abuse isn’t always obvious. Ontarians can learn more about child abuse, how to recognize the subtle and obvious signs of abuse and how to report it at useyourvoice.ca.

The OACAS recommends that citizens, organizations and governments get involved to help prevent child abuse by taking the following steps:

Public Education – Learn about child abuse and neglect and how to recognize the subtle and obvious signs of abuse.

Report abuse – If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it’s your legal duty to report your concerns to your local Children’s Aid Society.

Advocate – Encourage leaders in your community to be supportive of children, families and prevention programs such as affordable day care and housing, parenting centres
and after school recreation programs.

Support Families – Talk with your neighbours about the importance of supporting children and families in your area. When you see a parent who is at their wit’s end, offer assistance because even a few minutes of your time can go a long way in helping a distraught person.

Parent positively – Remember, discipline is meant to teach your child how to behave,be safe and get along with others.
o Never physically discipline a child when you are angry, as it is too easy to lose control and seriously hurt your child.
o Encourage good behavior with positive attention and clear communication.
o Provide a positive environment for your children

Learn more about positive parenting and child abuse prevention at useyourvoice.ca.

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