There are five main types of child abuse:
Physical Abuse: The intentional use of force on any part of a child’s body that results in serious injuries.
Sexual Abuse: The improper exposure of a child to sexual contact, activity, or behaviour.
Emotional Abuse: Anything that causes serious mental or emotional harm to a child.
Neglect: Any lack of care that causes serious harm to a child’s development or endangers the child in any way.
Exposure to Domestic Violence: Being witness to a violent behaviour between family members.
Recognizing child abuse is crucial. All adults in Alberta have a role to play in keeping children safe. While the signs below do not confirm abuse on their own, they warrant concern and should lead to a check-in by a trusted, caring adult. These include:
Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour, including aggression, avoidance or withdrawal,
Changes in school or extracurricular performance including sudden grade improvement or disengagement,
Unexplained injuries that don’t match the child’s explanation, sexual knowledge beyond the child’s age/developmental stage,
Fearing a specific person or place, or even a certain gender, OR
Children always sick, hungry, or not dressed suitably for the weather.
Reports can be made to the following places:
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS)
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Text CONNECT to 686868
Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Online Exploitation: cybertip.ca
Lethbridge Police Service Non-Emergency Reporting: 403-328-4444
RCMP Reporting Line: 403-345-5000. If a child is in immediate danger, please dial 911.