ABUSE
Child abuse includes physical, emotional and sexual abuse and/or neglect. It also addresses a pattern of abuse and risks of harm. Some definitions include:
Physical abuse is any deliberate physical force or action, by a parent or caregiver, which results, or could result, in injury to a child. It can include bruising, cuts, punching, slapping, beating, shaking, burning, biting or throwing a child. Using belts, sticks or other objects to punish a child can cause serious harm and is also considered abuse.
Neglect occurs when a caregiver fails to provide basic needs such as adequate food, sleep, safety, education, clothing or medical treatment. It also includes leaving a child alone or failing to provide adequate supervision.
If the caregiver is unable to provide the child with basic needs due to financial inability, it is not considered
neglect, unless relief has been offered and refused.
Emotional abuse is a pattern of behaviour that attacks a child’s emotional development and sense of self-worth.
It includes excessive, aggressive or unreasonable demands that place expectations on a child beyond his or her capacity. Emotional abuse includes constantly criticizing, teasing, belittling, insulting, rejecting, ignoring or isolating the child. It may also include exposure to domestic violence.
Sexual abuse occurs when a child is used for the sexual gratification of an adult or an older child. The child may
co-operate because he or she wants to please the adult or out of fear. It includes sexual intercourse, exposing a child’s private areas, indecent phone calls, fondling for sexual purposes, watching a child undress for sexual pleasure, and allowing/forcing a child to look at or perform in pornographic pictures or videos, or engage in prostitution.
- RESOURCE LINKS -
Warning Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse (For Parents)
Child Abuse Resource Materials (Canadian Child Abuse Association)
- LOCAL RESOURCE CONNECTIONS -
HIATUS HOUSE
250 Louis Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9A 1W2
Phone: 519-252-1143, 24-Hour Crisis Line: 519-252-7781
Website: www.hiatushouse.com
To break the cycle of domestic violence one family at a time. We do this by providing 24 hour a day crisis intervention and emergency shelter to abused women and their children. In addition, we provide public education, research and specialized counselling services for all family members affected by domestic violence.
KIDS HELP PHONE
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Website: www.kidshelpphone.ca
Kids Help Phone is Canada’s only 24/7, national support service. We offer professional counselling, information and referrals and volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French. Whether by phone, text, mobile app or through our website, you can connect with us whenever you want, however you want. Our service is completely confidential and you don’t even have to tell us your name if you don’t want to.
VICTIM SERVICES OF WINDSOR-ESSEX
1219 10th Concession, Essex, ON, N8M 2Y2
Phone: 1-888-732-6228
Website: www.vswec.ca
Victim Services of Windsor & Essex County assists victims of crime and tragedy. We provide victims with support, information and referrals at no cost. Services are coordinated by 4 staff, a community based Board of Directors, and approximately 80+ trained, committed crisis volunteers who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We provide assistance to all victims in Windsor & Essex County and responded to requests for assistance from police services and other emergency personnel. Victim Services can be accessed by all agencies and emergency service providers, on behalf of victims, and is available throughout Windsor & Essex County.
WINDSOR-ESSEX CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY (LEAMINGTON)
33 Princess Street, Leamington, ON N8H 5C5
Phone: 519-322-0555
website: www.wecas.on.ca
A Children’s Aid Society (CAS) works in each community to provide help & support to children and their families. It is mandated to uphold Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) and is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society is responsible for investigating all allegations of child abuse, including neglect, while also providing protection services to children, youth and their families residing in Essex County.
WINDSOR-ESSEX CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY (WINDSOR)
1671 Riverside Drive East, Windsor, ON N8Y 5B5
Phone: 519-252-1171
Website: www.wecas.on.ca
A Children’s Aid Society (CAS) works in each community to provide help & support to children and their families. It is mandated to uphold Child, Youth & Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) and is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society is responsible for investigating all allegations of child abuse, including neglect, while also providing protection services to children, youth and their families residing in Essex County.
WINDSOR POLICE SERVICES
150 Goyeau Street, Windsor, ON, N9A 6V2
Emergency: 911, Non-Emergency: 519-258-6111
Website: www.police.windsor.on.ca
The Mission of the Windsor Police Service is to serve our community. Working together, we prevent and investigate crime and provide support to those in need. We perform our duties with professionalism, accountability and integrity to ensure the safety of all the members of our diverse community.
WINDSOR REGIONAL HOSPITAL
1995 Lens Avenue, Windsor, ONT, N8W 1L9
Phone: 519-254-5577
Website: www.wrh.on.ca
Services and support for sexually abused adults/children, Provide medical and legal examinations, medical treatment / psychological support to the victim, Photographic documentation of injuries, Referral to appropriate community agencies, Follow up by Domestic Violence nurse, Education to the community, SAFEKIDS is a program which provides a medical evaluation for sexually victimized children and their families, Services are provided by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Compassionate, professional response available 24 hours a day through Windsor Regional Hospital - Emergency Room.