Almost a 3rd of all Canadians have experienced child abuse at some point in their lives, a number that is simply too high.
Child abuse doesn’t necessarily mean a child who is physically beaten. Abuse can be physical, but it can also be verbal or emotional. Some parents may not even realize how they treat or speak to their children can be abusive. What some parents think is a joke could be emotionally damaging to a child.
But how do we prevent child abuse? And what can be done to help the children who’ve been abused?
WAYS Mental Health Services is a not-for-profit agency that supports children, youth and families in London-Middlesex and Chatham-Kent who face challenges like trauma, emotional or behavioural problems, mental health issues and conflicts with the law.
WAYS supports over 30 foster families that take in children who’ve experienced abuse or trauma. Joanne Johnston, Executive Director of WAYS says finding a child the right family is very important.
“We have some outstanding foster families that have been able to work with children who have had significant difficulties but have hung in with them and been patient and worked with them in a way that recognizes their attachment difficulties or their trauma experiences” – Joanne Johnston
She says many of their families have been a huge success.
