Physical Abuse
We don't know all the causesof child abuse and neglect. We do know that parenting is a big responsibility thatat times, when combined with other life stresses, can become too much.Physical abuse is any harm to a child caused by the action (or lack of action) of the child'scaregiver. Injuries that may occur include: bruising, welts, cuts, fractures, burns or internal injuries. Physical abuse can occur as an isolated incident or continue over a period of time.


Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse includes all acts that result in the lack of a nurturing environment for a child. It occurs when the caregiver treats the child in such a negative way that the child's concept of "self" is seriously impaired. Emotional abuse can be the most difficult to identify and prove.

Neglect
Neglect usually results from the lack of knowledge about appropriate care for children or an inability to plan appropriately for the child's needs.

Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is any sexual exploitation of a child by an older person. The Criminal Code of Canada identifies a number of types of sexual abuse, including:
Invitation to sexual touching
Sexual exploitation
Procuring sexual activity from a child
Caregiver permitting sexual activity
Exposing genitals to a child
Incest
Exposing to or engaging in pornography