Types of Abuse
Child abuse is a troubling reality that persists today. On average, about 70,000 cases of neglect or harm are reported each year to youth protection centers in Quebec, and about half of these cases are subject to a deeper investigation.
These numbers do not take into account situations that remain invisible, violence that no one detects. Even though they are naturally expressive, children often stay silent when they are victims of violence.
The aftermath is intense: above physical suffering, abuse affects the child’s cognitive, affective and social development, with repercussions that can last their whole life.
Reference : Direction de la protection de la jeunesse. (2023). Bilan annuel sur les signalements. Gouvernement du Québec.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
What is it?
The shaken baby syndrome is a severe head trauma caused by the violent shaking of an infant. The baby’s head, still fragile, undergoes a sudden movement that can lead to bleeding, permanent brain damage, and even death.
Possible symptoms:
- Unusual drowsiness or extreme irritability
- Refusal to eat or unexplained vomiting
- Loss of usual smiles or babbling
- Seizures, muscle rigidity, abnormal eye movements
- Difficulty breathing
Prevention and interventions :
- Never shake a baby, even if they cry for long periods of time
- Drop the child off in a safe place if you are at the end of your rope
- Take a break, ask for help
- In an emergency, call 911.
References :
Fondation Marie-Vincent. (2024). Syndrome du bébé secoué. https://www.marie-vincent.org
Centre de liaison sur l’intervention et la prévention psychosociales (CLIPP). (2023). Prévenir le SBS.
Physical Violence
Physical violence against children is deeply shocking, as it affects the most vulnerable. However, it remains the second leading cause of reporting to the Direction de la protection de la jeunesse (DPJ/DYP) in Quebec (Fondation Marie-Vincent, n.d.).
What is it?
Physical abuse is defined as brutal and intentional acts intended to hurt a child. This includes hitting, biting, slapping, burning, or any other act of force.
- According to Canadian data, about two-thirds of cases stem from excessive corporal punishment, justified by educational or disciplinary intentions.
- In the remaining third, these are acts of impulsive brutality, often linked to a loss of control by the adult.
To find out more, consult the CLIPP report or the Marie-Vincent Foundation website (Marie-Vincent Foundation, n.d.; CLIPP, n.d.).
What Are the Cons?
Physical abuse can have devastating effects on a child’s overall development. It can lead to:
- visible bodily harm,
- behavioural disorders,
- developmental delays,
- depression,
- an impact on self-esteem.
The impacts are particularly severe in young children and worsen when the violence is frequent, repeated or intense (CLIPP, n.d.).
How can it be prevented?
It is never too late to break the cycle of violence. Anyone who has difficulty managing anger or aggression is encouraged to consult:
- a family doctor,
- a CLSC,
- The Director of Youth Protection (DYP),
- or call toll-free and confidential support lines:
ParentLine: 1 800 361-5085
S.O.S. Domestic Violence: 1 800 363-9010
(Tel-jeunes, n.d.)
How to Detect it?
Although physical injuries are the most visible, certain behaviours can also be a warning sign:
Physical signs:
- Marks or injuries to the ears, cheeks, jaw, neck, chest, abdomen, kidneys, buttocks, thighs, or genitals
- More than 3 lesions in a child under 8 months of age
- More than 15 lesions in a child over 8 months of age
Behavioural signs:
- Defensive or excessive affection seeking
- Shyness, passivity, apathy, and constant fatigue
- Refusal to go home or indifference to parents
- Aggression towards other children or animals
- Nervousness, insecurity, and concentration problems
(CDPDJ, n.d.)
What to do?
If you suspect that a child is being physically abused, you have a moral and legal duty to take action.
Report to the DPJ/DYP:
- Phone : 1 (800) 567-8520
- Online
The report is confidential.
In case of emergency : Contact your police department immediately: 911 (MSSS, 2021).
References :
CDPDJ. (n.d.). Signes de maltraitance physique. Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse.https://www.cdpdj.qc.ca
CLIPP. (n.d.). La violence physique chez les enfants. Centre de liaison sur l’intervention et la prévention psychosociales. https://www.clipp.ca
Fondation Marie-Vincent. (n.d.). Violence physique. https://www.marie-vincent.org
MSSS. (2021). Faire un signalement à la DPJ. Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux. https://www.quebec.ca/famille-et-soutien-aux-personnes/dpj
Tel-jeunes. (n.d.). Ressources pour adultes. https://www.teljeunes.com
Psychological Violence
Definition :
This form of violence is often trivialized. It includes humiliating words, shouting, rejection, psychological terror or isolation. Although invisible, it has impacts as serious as physical violence.
Examples :
- Ridicule or belittle the child
- Intentionally isolate them (e.g., lock them up)
- Scaring or threatening him
- Withdrawing any form of affection or support
Consequences :
- Anxiety disorders, depression, and low self-esteem
- Difficulties in building secure relationships
Reference : Encyclopédie sur le développement des jeunes enfants. (2022). Violence psychologique. https://www.enfant-encyclopedie.com
Negligence
Definition :
Neglect is the most common form of abuse. It occurs when a child is deprived of basic needs, including food, hygiene, clothing, safe housing, medical care, and protection from illness. It can be chronic, intentional, or the result of inadequate parenting skills.
Possible effects:
- Delays in motor, cognitive and emotional development
- Academic difficulties and language disorders
- Low self-esteem, anxiety, isolation
What to do?
- In case of doubt, it is essential to report the situation to the DPJ/DYP, even anonymously.
Reference : Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse. (2023). La négligence envers les enfants.
Sexual Violence
Definition :
It is any act of a sexual nature imposed on a child, without his or her consent, by manipulation, intimidation or force. This includes actions ranging from exposure to sexual material to explicit physical contact.
Examples :
- Improper touch
- Oral-genital contact or any form of penetration
- Voyeurism, exhibitionism
- Verbal or virtual solicitation
Consequences :
- Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Eating, sleeping, or behavioural disorders
- Long-term relationship difficulties
Reference : Fondation Marie-Vincent. (2024). Violence sexuelle envers les enfants. https://www.marie-vincent.org