Child sexual abuse is a serious social problem, with the most conservative research estimates indicating at least 10 per cent of boys and 20 per cent of girls are victimized. Sexual abuse may be associated with a host of personal, social and health problems, including the loss of self-esteem, relationship problems, mental-health problems, problematic substance abuse, economic hardship, homelessness and suicide.
Public awareness, community education and clinical services and support for children and families, including those provided by Sexual Abuse Intervention Programs (SAIP) throughout the province, are key to addressing the issue. The Ministry of Children and Family Development provides funding for 49 SAIP agencies. Supports and services, such as counselling, also are provided by community-based Child and Youth Mental Health teams.
The Province also operates Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) units, which provide specialized medical assessment for children and youth who have been, or are suspected of being sexually and/or physically abused. The SCAN units are located in every region of the province.
There's also a toll-free 24 hour helpline for children - 310-1234 - which can be accessed from anywhere in B.C. No area code is needed and anyone can call - children or teenagers who need help, parents in crisis or anyone who knows or suspects a child is being abused or neglected.
For information on the indicators of child abuse, how to report suspected abuse and a range of child-welfare and child-protection resources, please visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/child_protection/index.htm
For information on the ministry community-based, Child and Youth Mental Health programs and services in the province, go to: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/mental_health/index.htm
via Ministry of Children and Family Development Ministry of Justice
e-mail News to VNN Return to PlayInVictoria.net
"this page and website is in beta and is subject to change or be removed without notice"
