CHILD ABUSE IN CA

Understanding Prevalence, Relevance, and Realities

10/16/2023

Amandeep Singh Madaan (100858751)

Roshan Athalye (100898286)
Kush Patel (100895818)
Gopal Bhikadiya (100900880)
 CHILD ABUSE IN

CANADA

Child abuse is a serious and concerning issue that must be addressed by each and everyone from

individuals to governments. The prevalence of child abuse is frightening, and both the victims and

society as a whole suffer as a result. The issue of child abuse is of crucial relevance since it relates to the

present and future of our society's most vulnerable population—CHILDREN.

According to a Canadian Medical Association study, 1 in 3 adult Canadians have suffered some or the

other form of child abuse (Child abuse affects 1 in 3 Canadian adults, mental health study indicates,

2014). This statistic emphasizes the significance of the problem and its far-reaching consequences.

Physical, emotional, sexual, and neglectful abuse of children can all occur, with long-term consequences

for the survivors' physical and mental health.

Professor Tracie Afifi who works at the departments of community health sciences, and is a psychiatry at

the University of Manitoba states that "Our findings indicate that 32 per cent of the adult population in

Canada has experienced child abuse (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse and/or exposure to intimate

partner violence) and that child abuse has robust associations with mental conditions" (Child abuse

affects 1 in 3 Canadian adults, mental health study indicates, 2014). This is a significant issue and should

be concerned about this issue.

Child abuse raises a number of issues. First of all, it compromises against a child's fundamental human

rights as well as their right to a secure and caring environment. Abused children frequently have a

variety of physical and mental problems that can last into adulthood and affect their general wellbeing,

interpersonal connections, and productivity. Second, the broader community should be concerned about

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child abuse because it has major financial and societal consequences, such as increased medical costs,

legal interventions, and lost productivity due to mental health issues. As a result, society as a whole is

stressed, which is harmful to the victims as well.

Even in a country like Canada, this issue has a lot of significance. Child abuse is a worldwide issue; it is

not limited to any one region, including the Durham Region. Even while Canada has made progress in

establishing policies and programs for child protection in place, local communities still struggle with the

issue of child abuse. Particularly in Durham Region, the issue stems from the possibility of child abuse in

this community. Local relevance is essential since it is our duty to safeguard the security and welfare of

all children, wherever they may reside. It is within our power to address and prevent child abuse through

proper awareness, education, and also supporting the victims and their families.

In a massive Ontario-Wide investigation into child abuse and exploitation conducted by the Ontario

Provincial Police (OPP), the police forces conducted 255 investigations and executed 168 search warrants

and seized about one thousand devices. The officers laid 428 charges against 107 people (Gillis, 2022).

Child abuse is a particularly important and widespread issue that has impacted many individuals’ lives,

their families, and the society as a whole. It is our duty, our job to raise awareness about this issue,

understand its prevalence and work on how to prevent, stop and completely finish it. By confronting this

issue, we may help to ensure a safer and healthier future for our children and community.

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 References
Child abuse affects 1 in 3 Canadian adults, mental health study indicates. (2014, April 22). Retrieved from
CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/child-abuse-affects-1-in-3-canadian-adults-mental-
health-study-indicates-1.2617768

Gillis, M. (2022, November 30). Police charge 107 people following Ontario-wide investigation into child
abuse and exploitation. Retrieved from Ottawa Citizen: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-
news/police-charge-107-people-following-ontario-wide-investigation-into-child-abuse-and-
exploitation