Sport and Recreation
Definitions of Terms - Abuse and Violence Prevention

An understanding of the following terms is essential to discussing the prevention of violence and abuse.

Abuse – any action, physical or verbal, which exploits or potentially harms a child’s physical, emotional or psychological health.

Harassment – when a person is bothered or tormented persistently and intentionally.

Violence – behaviour such as the following:

  • Loud verbal assaults.
  • Threats and attempts to intimidate.
  • Throwing of article in a deliberate or aggressive manner.
  • Aggressive approaches to another individual.
  • Physical striking of another individual.
  • Attempts to goad or incite violence in others.

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