As Alberta marks Child Abuse Prevention Month in October residents in urban and rural communities are reminded that they can play a role in protecting children from harm.
As some of the most vulnerable Albertans, children count on adults to ensure they are kept safe and sound. In fact, Alberta Human Resources says public input remains absolutely vital in bringing abuse to the attention of officials.
The department identifies four principal types of child abuse:
• emotional abuse, which is verbal attacks on the child's sense of self, repeated humiliation or rejection. It also includes exposure to violence, drugs, alcohol abuse or severe conflict in the home.
• physical abuse, which is the intentional use of force on any part of a child's body that results in injuries. It may be a single incident or a series or pattern of incidents.
• sexual abuse is the exposure of a child to sexual conduct, activity or behaviour. It can include any sexual touching, intercourse or exploitation and can be perpetrated by anyone, including a parent or guardian.
• neglect is any lack of care that causes serious harm to the child's development or endangers a child in any way, or the failure to meet the child's day-to-day physical needs, including not being provided with adequate nutrition, clothing, shelter or health care.
Signs that a child may be the victim of abuse can include that he or she is continually hungry, dirty or not dressed for the weather conditions, may be extremely withdrawn, may have unexplained bruises or injuries, or may have knowledge of sexual matters beyond his or her age of development.
“Every time a child experiences abuse is a tragedy, and we all have a responsibility to prevent abuse and ensure that survivors and those who love them have the supports they need to heal,” said Irfan Sabir, minister of human services.
While it would seem to go without saying, public reporting of child abuse to health and police officials remains a vital part of keeping Alberta's youngsters safe.
As such, residents aware of a child or children being abused is encouraged to report what they know without delay.
And while October is Child Abuse Prevention Month in Alberta, protecting children from abuse should be seen for what it is: a 365-days-a-year community responsibility.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
"We all have a responsibility to prevent abuse and ensure that survivors and those who love them have the supports they need to heal."Irfan Sabir, minister of human services.
