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 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 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 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:

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.