The most conservative estimates indicate approximately 10 per cent of boys and 20 per cent of girls in B.C. have been the victim of sexual abuse.

April 15-21 is Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Week in British Columbia to recognize the devastating impacts of child sexual abuse and the importance of working together to keep children safe.

Sexual abuse may be associated with a host of personal, social and health problems including the loss of self esteem, relationship problems, mental health problems, problematic substance use, economic hardship, homelessness and suicide.

Public awareness, community education and clinical services and support for children, youth and families, including those provided by Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs (SAIP) throughout B.C., are key to addressing the issue. The Ministry of Children and Family Development provides funding for 49 SAIP agencies. Overall funding for the SAIP program has increased from $2.9 million in 2007-08 to a present level of $5.2 million. Supports and services, such as counselling, are also provided by community-based Child and Youth Mental Health teams.

The Province also operates Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) units, which provide specialized medical assessment for children and youth who have been, or are suspected of being sexually and/or physically abused. The SCAN units are located in every region of the province, including the Vancouver Island SCAN unit, which is set to open in a new permanent, central location in Nanaimo on April 17. The program was relocated from Victoria to Nanaimo to improve access to services for children and youth who live north of the Malahat, and lessen the need for them to travel off Vancouver Island for services.

There's also a toll-free 24 hour helpline for children - 310-1234 - which can be accessed from anywhere in B.C. No area code is required. Anyone can call - children or youth who need help, parents in crisis who are afraid they might hurt their children or anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused or neglected.

Quotes:

Mary McNeil, Minister of Children and Family Development -

"No child should ever have to experience sexual abuse. It's important for each and everyone one of us to work together to protect those who are most vulnerable in our society.

"Ensuring that children and youth who may have been sexually or physically abused are receiving appropriate services and supports is a priority of the ministry."

Dr. Wilma Arruda, paediatrician, Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect unit -

"I am so pleased that renovations at our permanent location in Nanaimo have been completed. The opening of this important program has been long anticipated.

"Our highly skilled team will now be able to provide the medical assessments of children and youth across Vancouver Island suspected of having been abused or neglected. We will be seeing our first patients in the clinic this week."

Sandra Bryce, executive director, Mary Manning Centre -

"We all have a part to play in preventing all forms of child abuse. Abuse often occurs when children and youth don't know what to do about the situation they're in and don't know how/or are afraid to get help.

"We need to inform and support children, youth and their families to create strong and safe communities."

Learn More:

For information on the indicators of child 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

For information on the ministry community-based, Child and Youth Mental Health programs and services in the province, go to: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/

Contact:

Shae Greenfield
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Children and Family Development
250 356-1639