Physical abuse may consist of just one incident or it may happen repeatedly. It involves deliberately using force against a child in such a way that the child is either injured or is at risk of being injured. Physical abuse includes beating, hitting, shaking, pushing, choking, biting, burning, kicking or assaulting a child with a weapon. It also includes holding a child under water, or any other dangerous or harmful use of force or restraint. Assault and unlawful confinement are criminal offences in Canada.

Sexual abuse and exploitation involves using a child for sexual purposes. Examples of child sexual abuse include fondling, inviting a child to touch or be touched sexually, intercourse, rape, incest, sodomy, exhibitionism, or involving a child in prostitution or pornography. Child sexual assault and sexual exploitation are criminal offences in Canada.

Neglect is often chronic, and it usually involves repeated incidents. It involves failing to provide what a child needs for his or her physical, psychological or emotional development and well being.  For example, neglect includes failing to provide a child with food, clothing, shelter, cleanliness, medical care or protection from harm. Emotional neglect includes failing to provide a child with love, safety, and a sense of worth. Failing to provide the necessaries of life, such as
food or medical treatment, is a criminal offence in Canada.

Emotional abuse involves harming a child's sense of self.  It includes acts (or omissions) that result in, or place a child at risk of serious behavioural, cognitive, emotional or mental health problems. For example, emotional abuse may include verbal threats, social isolation, intimidation, exploitation, or routinely making unreasonable demands. It also includes terrorizing a child, or exposing them to family violence.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE? 

Anyone may report suspected child abuse to the Children’s Aid Society and will not be liable for an unfounded report if it is made in good faith.

In every province, persons in helping professions — teachers, doctors, counselors, police officers, social workers, health professionals — are legally mandated to report a suspicion of child abuse or neglect to child abuse authorities.

Church leaders should not try to gather detailed evidence from the person who discloses. The Children’s Aid Society will investigate and determine the level of risk to the child.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Children’s Aid Society in your area to discuss your concerns or to make a formal report regarding your fear about the welfare of a child or teenager.
 

PRIVACY POLICY

Every church should have a Privacy Policy and a Privacy Officer to ensure its implementation and to address concerns. If your church does not have a privacy policy to let members know what is done with their personal information, the council is strongly encouraged to develop one. Any policy should have the final approval of your church’s attorney. In fact, your attorney may already have a privacy policy designed specifically for churches that can be adapted to your church. If your attorney does not have a policy designed for churches, feel free to contact David van der Woerd from Ross & McBride in Hamilton. His contact information is in the back of our Hamilton Area CRC directory (under Legal Services in the Business Directory section).