NCJ Number
72542
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Part of a series of seven films made for Canadian professionals, this film shows Constable Pat Lord of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Youth Bureau discussing signs of child abuse and the investigatory police role.
Abstract
In the film, Constable Lord illustrates some signs of physical abuse including bruises, lacerations, and burns. She points out that an abused child may sometimes be identified by timid or overly obedient behavior or fear of attracting any kind of attention. The film emphasizes that properly prepared evidence is necessary in child abuse cases since child abuse may constitute an assault punishable in criminal court. Even if no charges are laid, such evidence may be essential in securing the protection of a child in Family Court. Signs that police investigators should look for include discrepancies or contradictions in parental accounts or parental ignorance of how injuries occurred. In addition, investigations of juvenile offenses or runaways may reveal abused or neglected children. The film shows an incident in which police discover a possible case of child abuse arising out of a domestic dispute and shows the denial by the parents and the police decision to call the Children's Aid Worker. Some possible causes of child abuse are discussed, and the importance of professional cooperation in child abuse cases between the investigating police and the Children's Aid Worker is underlined.