October is National Child Abuse Awareness Month and rural Albertans are reminded to watch for signs of child abuse.
In a Gazette interview on Thursday, Sandra Jansen, Alberta's associate minister of family and community safety, said signs of child abuse include hunger, not being dressed for the weather, or a child who is alone often.
Signs also include a child who is withdrawn or aggressive, has unexplained bruises or injuries or doesn't want to be at home.
As well, a child who is being abused may show unusual knowledge of sexual matters beyond their age of development or be exposed to illegal drug activity.
“Albertans have a shared responsibility along with the government and with the communities and families and in making sure we support great healthy kids,” said Jansen.
“I think that it's important that the public helps in the effort to identify children who may be the victims of child abuse. Without the public's help it's a much tougher battle.”
She said Albertans could prevent child abuse by calling the provincewide help line if they witness any of the above signs. The number to call is 1-800-387-KIDS (5437) or 310-0000, which connects with the local child and family services authority, or delegated First Nations agency.
“If Albertans think a child is being abused or neglected, they have the ability to call the child abuse hotline and we really hope they do,” she said.
“We need to put our children's safety and well-being first and ensure they are being protected. I encourage all Albertans – teachers, neighbours, family and community members to pick up the phone and share any concerns they may have about a child's welfare.”
There is no specific age in which children suffer from abuse at a higher level, she said.
“It happens at all ages of development for kids. This is something that happens from birth right up until the age of 18 and abuse can happen well beyond that of course,” she said.
