Take Note… Discovering that a child is or may be a victim of abuse is an unpleasant experience. Keeping alert to the signs of child abuse requires caring vigilance. The best way to respond to a child you suspect may have been abused is to listen carefully and be attentive to the child’s behaviour.

Children are often cautious when disclosing abuse. They may speak using childish language or use terms that are unfamiliar to you. Some children may not say anything about the abuse but may assume that the abuse has marked them in some way that should be obvious to adults. It is for this reason that you need to be aware of the physical and behavioural indicators of child abuse.

If a child discloses to you, it is important not to carry out an investigation yourself as this may jeopardize the case in a court of law. What should you do?

Take the child seriously

Accept what the child tells you despite how difficult it may be to accept the identity of the abuser or that abuse occurred. Victims often believe they are responsible for the abuse they receive and may be hesitant to discuss the abuse. This is especially true of sexual abuse where a child feels he/she is breaking a “trust”, “telling a secret” or has been threatened. Understand that disclosing abuse can be difficult for a child, and that your relationship has allowed the child to open up to you.

Listen openly and calmly

It is important to put your own feelings of anger, frustration or pain aside. Be attentive to the emotions and words of the child. Give the child your full attention and nod understandingly as the story pours out. If possible, take the child aside to a quiet place. Allow the child to tell what happened in his/her words. Do not press for details and do not “interview” the child.

Reassure the child

Discussing abuse can be very difficult for a child. Be supportive of the child; let him/her know you will do something to help. Let the child know that what has happened is not his/her fault and they are doing the correct thing by telling you. Do not make any promises to the child about what may happen. You may not be able to keep these promises. You can tell the child you will do your best to help him/her.

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Duty to report suspected child abuse and neglect

Take Note… The duty and responsibility to report suspected child abuse and neglect applies to both members of the general public and to professionals and is set out in Section 68 of the Child and Family Services Act: A person who believes on reasonable grounds that a child is or may be in need of protection shall forthwith report the belief and information upon which it is based to a children’s aid society.

Everyone is responsible for reporting child abuse or neglect where there are reasonable grounds to believe a child may be in need of protection. If you suspect abuse, a children’s aid society should be contacted immediately. Delaying can place a child at further risk.

Despite the provisions of any other Act, a person who performs professional or official duties with respect to children, and in the course of his or her duties, has reasonable grounds to suspect that a child is or may be suffering or may have suffered abuse shall forthwith report the suspicion and the information on which it is based to a children’s aid society.

The professional duty to report affects the following persons:

• health care professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, pharmacists and psychologists
• teachers and school principals
• social workers and family councillors
• priests, rabbis and other members of the clergy
• operators or employees of day nurseries
• youth and recreation workers (but not volunteers)
• peace officers and coroners
• solicitors
• service providers and employees of service
• providers
• any other person who performs professional or official duties with respect to children

In Ontario, any professional who fails to report his or her suspicion of child abuse or neglect is liable on conviction to a fine up to $1,000.

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Children’s Aid Society of Toronto
30 Isabella Street
Toronto, ON M4Y 1N1
(416) 924-4646
http://www.casmt.on.ca