There are warning signs of child abuse
Indicators of child abuse and neglect are almost always apparent, and need to be acted upon. The process of removing a child from immediate danger can only begin when abuse is reported.
Warning signs of abuse can be found in the PDF Child Protection: Be vigilant, report child abuse from the Department of Social Development. They include:
- Any injury to a baby who is not yet crawling or walking.
- Unexplained injuries, or when the explanation keeps changing.
- Anal or genital injuries, STDs, or pregnancy.
- The child does not respond to affection.
- The child is aggressive or withdrawn.
- The child complains of hunger or appears malnourished.
These are only a few of the warning signs of child abuse and neglect to encourage you to read the full document. An earlier document from the Province (2005?), Child Victims of Abuse and Neglect Protocols, identifies many more warning signs and risk factors in great detail.
We keep these articles brieif because we have only one goal, encouraging you to report suspected abuse. It’s a simple message: when you suspect abuse that puts a child in danger, you have a legal obligation to report the abuse. In New Brunswick, Child Protection Services investigates every reported case of abuse or suspected abuse. There are eight regional Offices of the Department of Social Development where abuse can be reported.
How to report suspected abuse
- Call: 1-888-992-2873 (1-888-99-ABUSE)
- After Hours Emergency Services 1-800-442-9799