Victims or friends/family of victims are urged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service, Halton Children's Aid Society, or other community resources if child abuse or neglect is happening. Help is available.

In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse and neglect includes, but is not limited to:

  • Physical assault
  • Sexual assault
  • Emotional abuse
  • Criminally negligent acts towards a child
  • Placing a child in need of protection at risk
  • Abandonment or failing to provide the necessities of life to a child
  • Any act or omission by any person towards a child that does or may have the potential to cause physical, psychological, or emotional harm to a child

Talking to Your Children about Child Abuse

It is also crucial that you speak to your children about what to do if they are being abused or if a friend confides in them that they are not safe at home. Explain to them that:

  • They will not get in trouble for telling you
  • They can help their friends who cannot help themselves

Safety Tips

  • It is critical that you check in on those around you on a regular basis. Be on the lookout for signs of physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse.
  • Never leave a child unattended or with anyone you don't completely trust.
  • Check that daycare providers/caregivers have police security clearance, including a vulnerable sectors screening.
  • Talk to your children about strangers and what is appropriate and inappropriate.
  • Talk to your children about any suspicious signs of injury, such as unexplained bruising.

HRPS Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit

Our CASA Unit investigates all reported cases of child abuse and sexual assault where the following has occurred:

  • There is serious injury inflicted on a child
  • The child has previously been a victim of abuse that has been investigated by police or the Halton Children's Aid Society
  • The suspect under investigation has been previously investigated for abuse

Community Resources