When there is an additional stress in the home like during COVID-19, children are at increased risk of violence and abuse. I can relate. I was adopted and grew up in an incredibly abusive environment. My child-size body and mind had been violated on every level. At age 17, I [ … ]

Children and young people are normally seen by lots of different adults every day, like neighbours, grandparents and teachers. But due to coronavirus (COVID-19) we’re self-isolating, social distancing and spending much more time at home. This means some families might need extra support with parenting. And if a child is [ … ]

Three years ago, following a two-year effort by the Miles for Smiles Foundation, our provincial government proclaimed April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month. It was the first initiative of its kind in the country. The foundation has worked tirelessly to increase awareness about the issue, highlight safety for children, [ … ]

Fears and phobias can be quite disturbing, and even debilitating, for its victims. I can especially relate to fears that have been carried since childhood. I myself have a couple, and although only a couple, I cannot diminish the impact that they have had on my life. One such fear, [ … ]

August 2017 – I am saddened to read the news of the system, and society, failing yet another child and consequently enabling the abuse to continue. The specifics may be different, but not the story. I hear this regularly through the ASCA (Adult Survivors of Child Abuse) peer support group [ … ]