Stephanie Cadieux, B.C.’s Minister of Children and Family Development, issued the following statement today for Child Abuse Prevention Day (April 8, 2016) and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Week (April 11-17, 2016):

“Child Abuse Prevention Day and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Week are opportunities to raise awareness about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, recognize its traumatic effects, and champion the importance of British Columbians working together to keep children safe.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving and encouraging environment. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for an estimated 10% of boys and 20% of girls worldwide who experience sexual abuse in their young lives.

“A single act of abuse erodes a child’s fragile sense of self and can often lead to long-term impacts, including mental health issues, substance use and even suicide. The act can also extend to future generations as patterns of abuse repeat themselves. That’s why it’s so important to know the signs of abuse and neglect, and to take action when we see them.

“Child abuse can take different forms. It may be physical, sexual, emotional – or the result of neglect. Understanding the types and signs of child abuse and neglect is critical to ensuring the safety of children. Some common signs include anxiety or depression, extreme withdrawal or aggression, unexplained bruises, sudden behavioural changes, constant health complaints with no medical explanation or the sudden onset of nightmares. To learn about the signs of child abuse and about the services and resources available, visit: http://ow.ly/10nttb

“It’s also important – as caregivers, teachers, medical professionals, support workers, leaders and confidantes – to ensure that young victims know they can confide in someone and that there are support services and resources available when they need help.

“We all have to work together to prevent child abuse and neglect. If you think a child or youth is being abused or neglected, call the 24-hour Helpline for Children toll-free at 310-1234 (no area code required) or 1 800 663-9122.

“During Child Abuse Prevention Day and Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Week, we can all stand together to reinforce our commitment to giving every child a chance to succeed in life and grow up free from abuse. Join me this week in raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of child abuse and let us all work together to eradicate child abuse in our communities.”

To learn what you can do when a child may be at risk, visit the Responding to Child Welfare Concerns handbook: http://ow.ly/10qdNf