Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 73 Young children are impacted in many ways by child abuse. This type of abuse is often prolonged, which can lead to chronic states of hyper-arousal and sensitized stress response systems. This constant activation can result in physical, emotional, and behavioural problems in childhood and adulthood. If the abuse occurs within the home, the child may not be able to form secure attachments and may not have a safe person to turn to. There are a variety of long-term impacts linked to child abuse and neglect including behavioural and achievement problems in school; obesity; mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and increased suicidal ideation and attempts; substance use; and risky sexual behaviours and unplanned pregnancy. Ongoing support, such as counselling, peer support, and support groups, can help to reduce the long-term impacts of child abuse. LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF CHILD ABUSE DUTY TO REPORT Anyone having reasonable suspicion that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has been, or may be, impacted by abuse or neglect has a legal duty to report such information immediately to a local Ministry of Social Services Child Protection Office, First Nations Child and Family Services Agency, or police. The Luna Child Advocacy Centre has created a video and toolkit to help report suspected child abuse. Visit www.lunacentre.ca for more information. RECOGNIZING AND RESPONDING – HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS The VEGA (Violence, Evidence, Guidance, and Action) Project has created evidence-based resources to assist healthcare and social service providers in recognizing and responding safely to family violence. VEGA focuses on three types of family violence: child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, and children’s exposure to intimate partner violence. For more information, visit www.vegaproject.mcmaster.ca. SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE Image by freepik
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