Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence and Child Abuse/Neglect

Q: Child Abuse and Neglect

Please see these resources about child abuse and neglect prepared by Hamilton Health Sciences Fact Sheet Resources for Healthcare Providers Risk factors for child abuse and neglect have increased during the pandemic. These include, economic uncertainty, job losses, and limited access to supports such as friends, family, neighbours, teachers, coaches, healthcare services, and social services. Child maltreatment – including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence – can cause serious physical and mental health problems in children. It’s more important than ever to be alert to signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect in children so that we can intervene to support children and their families.

Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

The Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre (SADVCC) based at HHS provides 24/7 care for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in Hamilton. Access is though the emergency departments of HHS; details are in the flowchart below. In addition, victims can call the 24 hour support line of the Sexual Assault Centre (SACHA), 905-525-4162. If you wish general guidance and training in responding to family violence you can access the VEGA (Violence, Evidence, Guidance and Action) Project developed at McMaster.

Update to the diagram below: Adult patients who have been sexually assaulted can now go to the emergency department at either the Hamilton General Hospital OR the Juravinski Hospital.

Child Abuse and Neglect

Please see these resources about child abuse and neglect prepared by Hamilton Health Sciences

Risk factors for child abuse and neglect have increased during the pandemic. These include, economic uncertainty, job losses, and limited access to supports such as friends, family, neighbours, teachers, coaches, healthcare services, and social services.

Child maltreatment – including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence – can cause serious physical and mental health problems in children.

It’s more important than ever to be alert to signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect in children so that we can intervene to support children and their families.