City of Red Deer
Victim Services
Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-387-5437 (KIDS) to get help if you, or children you know, are being neglected, abused or sexually exploited.
Child Abuse
What Is Child Abuse?
The term child abuse refers to any act committed by a parent or guardian that results in injury or harm to a child. The Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act defines the main types of abuse.
Emotional Abuse is repeated verbal attacks, humiliation, or rejection directed at the sense of self of a child. A child who is exposed to violence, drugs, alcohol, or severe conflict in the home as well as forced isolation, restraint, or is fearful much of the time might also be emotionally harmed. Children who experience emotional abuse are usually subjected to a pattern of abuse.
Physical Abuse is the intentional application of force to a child’s body. The incident could be a single occurrence or part of a pattern.
Neglect is careless behavior that damages or endangers a child’s health, development, or safety. When the child’s basic needs aren’t met, such as nutrition, clothing, shelter, and health care; appropriate supervision; and protection from harm, the child is at risk. Children who experience emotional neglect lack affection and a sense of belonging.
Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Center
Text: 1.866.956.1099
Online Chat or
Call: 866.956.1099 Toll Free
Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.387.KIDS (5437)
Kids Help Phone: 1.800.668.6868
Family Violence Information Line: 310.1818
Red Deer City Victim Services Unit is here to assist you by proving you support, information and community referrals.
Sexual Abuse is the improper exposure of a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour. Any sexual touching, engagement in sexual relations, exploitation or exposure is considered child abuse and can be perpetrated by anyone, including parents, guardians, caregivers, neighbors, friends and strangers.
To start using the text service,
text CONNECT to 686868.
The Kids Help Phone texting service is free and available across Canada 24/7.
Resources & Services
- Canadian Child Abuse Association
- Child Abuse - Alberta Human Services
- Child Abuse - Children Exposed to Family Violence – Government of Alberta
- Child Abuse is Wrong - Department of Justice Canada
- Family Services of Central Alberta
- Children Exposed to Family Violence - Information Sheet
- Kids Help Phone
- What is Child Abuse - RCMP
Red Deer City Victim Services Unit
We Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
Red Deer Victim Services Unit