Acknowledging the problem of child maltreatment (physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, malnutrition) forces us to confront a difficult and uncomfortable reality: a considerable proportion of the children we encounter in our practices, schools, and neighborhoods have been or will be hurt, often by an adult who is close to them. The consequences of child maltreatment are devastating for the individual child and serious for the rest of society.

The effects of maltreatment on children can be so encompassing that their development slows down. They often experience problems learning new things and coping with new people or situations. The world is experienced as a scary place—the tiniest reminders can cause them to relive their terror. Even if the maltreatment has stopped, children will continue to employ their survival strategies, which can be bewildering and overwhelming to those who care for them.

Making sense of how a child responds to maltreatment can change their life indefinitely.

All Canadian children who have encountered maltreatment should have access to a comprehensive, trauma-informed response. This approach and understanding can transform a community’s understanding and response to child maltreatment by being a hub of education, assessment, prevention, and outreach.

We have a chance to change the lifetime trajectory for children who have experienced abuse.