Protecting young people from abuse should be a year-round top priority for parents, caregivers, elections officials and other stakeholders, ensuring the district’s most vulnerable citizens can always find safety at home and in the community-at-large.
Alberta recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month in October, providing a way to raise awareness of warning signs and the need for anyone witnessing abuse to come forward.
Searle Turton, minister of Children and Family Services, says the Smith government is committed to doing all it can to keep kids safe.
“No child should ever have to experience abuse,” said Turton. “Whether at school or in the home, online or out in the community, abuse of any kind is always unacceptable.
“Our government remains committed to protecting all children and youth and ensuring they have a safe place to turn, as well as the resources they need when abuse does happen.”
As Turton points out, recognizing the signs of abuse is key to taking concrete action to stop it from happening and ensuring supports are provided to the young people impacted.
According to the ministry, child/youth abuse can take four principle forms: neglect; emotional abuse; physical abuse; and sexual abuse.
The abuse can happen to any child or youth living full-time or part-time with or apart from their parent or guardians, and of all abilities, gender identities, cultural and spiritual backgrounds.
Emotional abuse can include humiliating the child or youth by blaming or belittling them, refusing to comfort them when they are upset or frightened, or inflicting cruel treatment or punishment.
Physical abuse can include hitting, chocking, kicking, biting, scratching, and throwing or hitting the child with objects.
Sexual abuse can include activities such as fondling, making the young person touch an adult’s or other young person’s genital areas, and sexual intercourse with the child or youth.
Bringing attention to child/youth abuse situations must be a top priority for everyone throughout the year. As such, anyone witnessing or otherwise learning about such abuse should call 911.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
