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Abuse
Abuse is more common than people think. There are many different kinds of abuse. People often believe that if a person does not have physical injuries, they have not been abused. Abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual.
Child abuse is towards someone under the age of 18. Neglect of a child and witnessing violence in your home is considered forms of child abuse.
It is commonly believed that young people are most often abused by strangers. This is why education about abuse has traditionally focused on “stranger danger”. Young people can be harmed by strangers; however, it is more likely that a young person will be abused by a person they know. This can include family, family friends, and other trusted adults in the person’s life.
Types of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse happens when physical violence is used against a person. Some examples of physical abuse include slapping, biting, burning, punching, pushing, throwing, grabbing, and hurting the head, brain, and neck (Abusive Head Trauma). Physical abuse can cause injuries, like bruising or broken bones.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse refers to using words, attitudes, or behaviours to humiliate, embarrass, or hurt someone. Some examples of emotional abuse include making fun of, mocking, manipulation or calling a person names.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes any kind of sexual activity without consent. Consent is agreement and approval of what is done or proposed by another person; it involves giving permission for something to happen, including sex.
Sexual activity does not have to include penetration (putting the penis into the vagina or anus) to be abusive. Some examples of sexual abuse include sexual touching and kissing without consent, forced sexual acts between a child/youth and an adult, forcing a young person to watch sex between adults (in person or through pornography), making (child) pornography, and sex trafficking.
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking refers to illegally recruiting, housing, moving, and buying a person for sexual purposes. In Canada, sex trafficking (e.g., forced prostitution) is the most common form of human trafficking. People who live in Canada, as well as people forced to come to Canada, can be victims of trafficking. Remember, human trafficking is illegal.
Exploiters (perpetrators) of sex trafficking often use tactics to develop a special relationship with the victim. This is called grooming. Grooming may include:
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a caregiver does not meet a young person’s needs. This can include the following:
Witnessing Domestic Violence
Witnessing domestic violence and marital discord (such as parents arguing constantly) is harmful to a young person. The young person may not be physically harmed by this abuse. However, she can be indirectly harmed, for example, by being made to lie about the reason for a parent’s injuries.
In Canada, witnessing domestic violence is a form of child abuse.
If you are experiencing any form of abuse, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to a trusted adult for help.
More Information About Abuse
Kids Help Phone
Toll free, 24/7, confidential:
1-800-668-6868
Text:
CONNECT to 686868 for text chats
Abuse Help Lines Directory
(provided by Provincial Association of Transition Houses and Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS))
Northeast Crisis Line
Toll free, 24/7, confidential:
1-800-611-6349
Provincial Sexual Assault Services
- Sexual Assault Services of Saskatchewan
- Regina Sexual Assault Centre
Toll free, 24/7, confidential:
1-844-952-0434 - Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre
24/7, confidential: 306-244-2224
I Am Not 4 Sale App
Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking
Toll free, 24/7, confidential:
1-833-900-1010