COVID-19: Babies at Risk of Abuse

Child advocates have been warning about the risk of increased child abuse cases since the onset of the pandemic, and new reports from child protection agencies across the country are confirming our fears.

There has been an alarming spike in child maltreatment injuries, including infant head trauma and broken bones. COVID-19 restrictions are pushing parents to the brink, and urgent action is needed. Sara Austin, CFC’s founder and CEO, spoke with media representatives about this issue. Please read the articles below to learn more.


Global News: ‘They’re struggling behind closed doors’: Doctors reveal disturbing stories of child maltreatment amid pandemic


CBC News: CHEO seeing ‘disturbing trend’ of maltreatment injuries among infants


CTV News: Hospital sees more babies with head trauma, fractures amid COVID-19 lockdown


HuffPost Canada: More Babies Suffering Severe Head Trauma Amid Lockdown: Ottawa Hospital


Ottawa Citizen: CHEO issues plea to pandemic-stressed parents to seek help after spike in infant injuries