Children and Family Development
VICTORIA - Today is Child Abuse Prevention Day in British Columbia, a time to acknowledge our continued commitment to keeping children safe and healthy. Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility. Everyone has the power to intervene if a child is being abused or neglected.
Everyone has a moral and ethical responsibility - and here in B.C., citizens also have a legal obligation to report suspected abuse. Child abuse is not confined to any particular socio-economic group, culture or community. It occurs in all parts of our province, and everyone has a role to play in keeping kids safe.
It's important to take a moment to learn the signs of child abuse and how to report a suspected case. The Province operates a toll-free Helpline for Children - 310-1234 - which can be accessed from anywhere in B.C. Anyone can call - children or youth who need help, parents in crisis who are afraid they might hurt their children and anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused or neglected.
Together, we can stop abuse before it happens, when it happens and before it happens again. Together, we can change the course of a child's life.
View public service announcement about the importance of prevention and awareness http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaKeu0KwChk
Quick Facts
In 2010, the ministry received more than 40,000 calls from concerned citizens. Of those, 30,000 involved child protection concerns.
Some of the signs of child abuse and neglect include:
- Injuries - bruises, cuts, burns, bite marks, fractures - that are inconsistent with the explanation offered.
- The presence of several injuries in different stages of healing.
- Fear of adults and lack of trust.
- Extremely aggressive or withdrawn.
- Attention-seeking behaviours.
- Difficulty sitting or walking.
- Loss of appetite.
- Age-inappropriate sexual knowledge.
- Unattended medical needs, constant hunger or poor hygiene.
For more information on the indicators of abuse, how to report suspected abuse and a range of child welfare and child protection resources, please visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/child_protection/index.htm
A number of downloadable, translated resources are available, including:
Responding to Child Welfare Concerns: Your Role in Knowing When and What to Report.
The BC Handbook for Action on Child Abuse and Neglect - a comprehensive guide for service providers working directly with children.
Learn More:
Contact:
Christine Ash
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639
250 812-3616
