News Release
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(SOUTH PORCUPINE, ON) – This week is the Ontario Provincial Police Crime Prevention Week with the focus being on “Partners in Community Safety and Well-Being.” The South Porcupine Detachment would like to raise the public’s awareness of how we can all help children in our community we suspect may be victims of abuse.
Abuse can come in many forms including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect and risk of harm. Members of the public, including professionals who work with children have an obligation to report promptly to a family and child’s services agency if they suspect that a child is or may be in need of protection.
Some of these professionals include health care workers, teachers, principals, members of the clergy, police officers, lawyers and any other person who performs professional or official duties with respect to a child.
Being able to recognize the signs of child abuse are important and can include: being excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong, frequent or unexplained injuries, bruises, welts, or cuts, filthy clothing, poor hygiene, or trouble walking or sitting.
Child abuse can leave deep lasting scars, both physically and emotionally.
“The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle. By intervening you can make a huge difference in a child’s life,” states Detachment Commander Dan Foy.
