April is Sexual Violence & Child Protection Month

What is Sexual Violence?

Any sexual act or act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression. This act may be physical or psychological in nature and is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent. 
Examples of Sexual Violence
Sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, gender-based harassment or violence, cyber sexual violence, and sexual exploitation.

What is Child Protection?

Protecting against child abuse and child neglect or harm. Child abuse can present as physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse, spiritual abuse, incest, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence.

Ways to Protect Children from Abuse or Harm: Mandated Reporting

Mandated reporting is also known as “duty to report”. It generally refers to the professional obligation of individuals to protect children who are at risk of abuse, neglect or harm. Child protection laws vary by provincial or state legislation. 
A professional must have reasonable grounds to suspect that the child or youth is in danger or at risk. Professionals generally include: healthcare workers, teachers, operators and employees of child care centres/youth programs/ camps, police & lawyers.
Typically, “a child” is an individual under the age of 16 years; however, it may refer to youth or an individual under the age of 18 in some areas.
Reporting suspicion of abuse, neglect or harm is a valid ground for a professional to breach confidentiality.

Hurma Related Resources

Hurma Podcast

Season 2, Episode 4: Protecting Children
Imam Mohamed Magid & Magda Saleh
Season 1, Episode 7: Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Assault
Nadiah Mohajir

Videos

Handbook

Henna Khawja

Mental Health Advisor

Henna Khawja is a Registered Social Worker with a special focus on the spectrum of gender based violence in Muslim communities. With over twelve years in the field, Henna currently works in sexual violence prevention and education with the University of Toronto, and is a Psychotherapist in private practice. Henna has worked with children, youth and adults in community, legal, child protection, corporate and university settings. Henna has also acted as the first Clinical Director for the Islamic Family and Social Services Association (IFSSA) in Edmonton, Alberta. Over the years, she has focused her work on supporting Survivors of trauma and violence along their healing journeys (including but not limited to gender based, spiritual, domestic, intimate partner, sexual, family, intergenerational, community violence). Henna has extensive experience working with Muslim & racialized communities in both Canada and the USA, as well as Pakistan and Zanzibar.

If you would like to connect with Henna for support and/or questions, please click here.