19 www.rnca.ca Physical Abuse continued What does it look like? Physical abuse is the intentional use of force against a child. It can cause physical pain, injury, or injury that may last a lifetime. This type of abuse includes: • pushing or shoving • hitting, slapping or kicking • strangling or choking • pinching or punching • biting • burning • throwing an object at a child, and • excessive or violent shaking. All of these acts are crimes in Canada. What can I do? Every province and territory has a law that says that any person who believes a child is being abused must report it. You will not get in trouble for making the report if you have reason to believe a child is being abused, even if it turns out you were wrong. If you know a child who is being physically abused, call your local police. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. If you have harmed your child, or think you might harm your child, get help. Here are some things you can do: • In an emergency, call 9-1-1. • Call your local child protection services. • Talk to a social worker, counselor or teacher. • Call the police (RNC or RCMP). • Please refer to pages 83 - 85 at the back of this guide for more resources. www.justice.gc.ca Reproduced from the Department of Justice publication Child Abuse is Wrong: What Can I Do? without affiliation or endorsement of the Government of Canada.
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