|
|
|
Child Safety Also Means
Written by Gillian Williams of the Children's Aid Society. |
|
|
Often when we hear the term "child safety", visions of bicycle helmets, child car seats, and crossing guards come quickly to mind. We think of devices to protect children from the dangers of unforeseen accidents. For others, like the staff, foster parents and volunteers of the Peel Children's Aid Society (Peel CAS), child safety conjures up different images. Child safety translates into Child Abuse Prevention. The Society and other social service providers are concerned with the injuries caused by the neglect and the emotional, physical and sexual abuse of children. What is child abuse? It is generally defined as the non-accidental mistreatment or neglect of a child by parent(s) or other caretaker(s) that result in injury or harm. It is not confined to a particular social class, neighbourhood, ethnic group or any other classification of people or community. Its impact on the lives of its victims is devastating. Child abuse can result in lasting physical injury or even death. For instance, a baby that has been violently shaken can be permanently brain damaged and blinded. A child that has not been shown love or attention may have difficulty building healthy relationships of their own. Children who experience abuse sometimes take out their frustrations on others. This can, at times, lead to violent or criminal behaviour. The consequences are not only felt at the individual level, but also within the community.
|
There is good news! Child abuse can be prevented and treated with more public education and awareness. Some commonly- recognized signs of child abuse include: repeated injuries; neglected appearance; passive, withdrawn or disruptive behaviour. What can you do? If you suspect a child is being abused, call your local Children's Aid Society. Children's Aid Societies are mandated to investigate suspected cases of child abuse. When more people become aware of the signs of child abuse and its negative repercussions, and when people begin to see child abuse as a community concern, more children will be protected. The Independent Order of Foresters (I0F), a fraternal benefit society that has been actively promoting child abuse prevention over the past two decades, designated October as Child Abuse Prevention Month. During October, Children's Aid Societies (CAS) place increased emphasis on child abuse awareness through their Purple Ribbon Campaigns. A number of CAS have year-round programs to help treat victims of child abuse and are linked to other community treatment programs. Many CAS publish annual child abuse reports that detail the volume and nature of child abuse in the communities they serve. To find out more about child abuse prevention, contact your local CAS or the IOF at 1-800-268-6267.
Child Abuse is a preventable child safety issue.
|
