Child abuse
The Calgary Police Service’s Child Abuse Unit is committed to reducing the frequency and the impact of child abuse and neglect in the City of Calgary by investigating all cases of sexual abuse of children, by holding offenders accountable and by collaborating with partner agencies in the community.
If you suspect child abuse, please report it immediately.
What is child abuse?
Child abuse includes neglect, and/or the emotional, physical or sexual mistreatment of a child by any person, including a parent, guardian or caregiver, which may result in physical or psychological harm to the child.
Investigating child abuse
Child abuse includes neglect, and/or the emotional, physical or sexual mistreatment of a child by any person, including a parent, guardian or caregiver, which may result in physical or psychological harm to the child.
The Child Abuse Unit of the Calgary Police Service investigates all cases of sexual abuse of children, as well as cases of severe physical abuse. Less severe physical abuse is investigated by the Child at Risk Response Team (CARRT) officer or officers from the appropriate district. Most unit investigations are jointly done with an investigator from Calgary and Area Child and Family Services Authority.
Resources for child abuse
If you or someone you know has been a victim of abuse, you can seek help from one of the following organizations:
- The Calgary Police Service's Victim Assitance Support Team
- The Children's Cottage Society
- Wood's Homes' Community Resource Team
Telephone support is available at the following numbers:
| Resource | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Child Intervention Services Intake Line | 403-297-2995 (24 hours) |
| Alberta Supports Contact Centre | 1-877-644-9992 |
| Bullying Help Line | 1-888-456-2323 |
| Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-387-KIDS (5437) |
| Family Violence Info Line | 310-1818 (Toll-free and 24 hours) |
| Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868 (24 hours) |
Community partners
The Calgary Police Service partners with the following agencies when investigating and deailing with cases of child abuse:
- Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre
- Alberta Health Services Calgary Sexual Assault Response Team (CSART).
- Government of Alberta Child and Family Services
- Government of Alberta Calgary Crown Prosecutor's Office
Additional Resources
The following sites also provide additional assistance:
Reporting child abuse
The Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit investigates all cases of sexual abuse of children and cases of severe physical abuse.
You can report suspected child abuse several ways:
- Contact the Calgary Police Service through 9-1-1 (in an emergency) or at 403-266-1234 (non-emergency).
- Visit a Calgary Police Service district office in-person.
- Visit an Alberta Health Services medical facility or hospital.
- Contact Calgary and Area Child and Family Services through their 24-hour intake line at 403-297-2995. Referral sources are kept anonymous.
- Contact Crime Stoppers through their website or at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). This call can be made anonymously.
You can also refer to the Calgary and Area Child and Family Services’ guide to reporting child abuse.
Reporting online child abuse
We are all responsible to ensure our children in the community are safe. Report suspected abuse and be a part of the solution.
If you observe child abuse or child pornography on the Internet, report it immediately to Cybertip.ca. Cybertip will then forward the information to the regional policing agency to investigate. You can report images you think may have occurred outside of your home province and Canada.
The Calgary Police Service's Child Abuse Unit is proud to be a partner in the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre https://www.lunacentre.ca/