Cisgender

Definition:

“Most people who are assigned female at birth identify as girls or women, and most people who are assigned male at birth identify as boys or men. These people are cisgender (or cis).” Planned Parenthood

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Sources: 

What do transgender and cisgender mean?

Resources: 

What do transgender and cisgender mean?

Canada transgender resources

Child Abuse

Phonetic Pronunciation: chīld uh-byooz

Definition:

Any action or failure to act by a caregiver or person in a position of trust that causes harm, risk of harm, or threat of harm to a person under 18. It can be physical, emotional, sexual, or involve neglect.

History:

Public recognition of child abuse increased in the 1960s with medical and legal research identifying what was then called “battered child syndrome.” Over time, the definition expanded beyond physical harm to include emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Child protection laws and mandatory reporting policies developed in many countries in response to growing awareness.

Current Usage:

The term is used in legal, social work, healthcare, and educational contexts to describe harm or risk of harm to minors. It appears in criminal law, child welfare policy, trauma research, and advocacy work. Contemporary discussions also focus on prevention, trauma-informed care, survivor support, and systemic factors (such as poverty or intergenerational trauma) that may increase risk.

Examples:

A situational example is: A teacher notices that a student frequently comes to school without adequate food, clothing for the weather, or supervision at home. After documenting patterns and following school policy, the teacher files a report with child protective services to ensure the child’s safety.

A sentence example is: "Child abuse includes physical, emotional, or sexual harm, as well as neglect, inflicted on a minor by a caregiver or trusted adult."

Perspective:

1. Child abuse is a preventable public health issue. Early intervention, education for caregivers, community support systems, and mandatory reporting laws are essential tools for protecting children and reducing long-term harm.

2. Responses to child abuse must protect children while also recognizing structural inequalities. Families facing poverty, housing instability, or limited access to mental health care may require supportive services rather than purely punitive interventions.

Did You Know?

Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) shows that exposure to abuse or neglect in childhood is linked to higher risks of long-term health challenges. Early support and protective relationships can significantly reduce these impacts.

Sources: 

Government of Canada - Child Abuse: Information and Resources

World Health Organization (WHO) - Child maltreatment overview

Consent

Definition:

“Canada has a broad definition of sexual assault. It includes all unwanted sexual activity, such as unwanted sexual grabbing, kissing, and fondling as well as rape.

Sexual activity is only legal when both parties consent. Consent is defined in Canada’s Criminal Code in s. 273.1(1), as the voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question. The law focuses on what the person was actually thinking and feeling at the time of the sexual activity. Sexual touching is only lawful if the person affirmatively communicated their consent, whether through words or conduct. Silence or passivity does not equal consent.” - Criminal Code

Sources: 

A Definition of Consent to Sexual Activity: Policy Centre for Victims Issues

The Law of Consent in Sexual Assault - LEAF

Resources: 

A Definition of Consent to Sexual Activity: Policy Centre for Victims Issues

Tea and Consent

Cultural Appropriation

Definition:

“Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression and doesn't respect their original meaning or give credit to their source. It also includes the unauthorized use of parts of their culture (their dress, dance, etc.) without permission.” Arlan Cunic, Very Well Mind

Examples:

1. In the 1950s, White musicians "invented" rock and roll; however, the musical style was appropriated from Black musicians who never received credit.

2. In 2011, motivational entrepreneur James Arthur Ray was convicted of three counts of negligent homicide after the death of three participants in his pseudo sweat lodge.

3. There is a history of major sports teams in the United States and Canada being involved in the cultural appropriation of Indigenous cultures through their names and mascots. Past and present examples include the Chicago Blackhawks, Cleveland Indians, Washington Redskins, and Edmonton Eskimos. (The Redskins and Eskimos have since undergone name changes.)

Sources: 

What Is Cultural Appropriation? 2022

Resources: 

What Is Cultural Appropriation?