Recognising child abuse
Take a moment and think about these two words: Child abuse. These are two words that should never be used together in a sentence.
Child abuse is a crime and as such should always be reported.
The law states that if you are aware of any form of child abuse you must report this to the police, failing to do this means you may be charged.
The public in general should educate themselves on the types and signs of child abuse in order that we may better protect our children.
Physical abuse is the most noticeable form of abuse.
Sexual abuse includes:
*Fondling or touching the child’s genitals or forcing the child to touch another’s private parts.
* Exposing children to adult sexual activity or pornographic materials.
*Having children perform in pornographic movies or pose for pornographic materials.
*Sexual intercourse.
Ways to support you child if they have been abused:
* Believe your child.
* Reassure your child that her or his safety is important.
* Assure your child that they are not to blame for the abuse.
* Remember that how you respond to your child is critical to their ability to deal with the trauma of the abuse.
* Get your child medical help.
* Explain to your child what you need to do to help them.
* Get support for yourself; this is a very difficult issue for any parent to handle.
What parents should know:
* Every child is vulnerable to sexual abuse regardless of cultural background or income level.
* Children need to feel loved, valued, and protected.
* Giving them the knowledge and skills necessary for their safety and well-being best protects children.
* Often there are no physical signs of sexual abuse.
* Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported because the child is afraid or ashamed to tell anyone what has happened.
* The offender may have threatened to hurt a family member, or the child feels that they are to blame for the abuse.
n It is important to show interest in your child’s activities; let them know that you are available to talk and listen; allow your child to share thoughts and feelings with you.
* The child is never to blame for the abuse; children cannot prevent abuse, only the offender can.
* Studies suggest that personal safety rules can be taught and understood by children age three and up.
* There is little evidence that children make false allegations of abuse; what is more common is a child denying that abuse happened when it did.
Possible signs of sexual abuse:
It is important to not take a symptom in isolation.
* Sudden behavioural problems or non-compliance.
* Sleep problems.
* Depression and anxiety.
* Fearfulness (particularly in response to specific persons or circumstances.
* Panic attacks.
* Self-destructive behaviour or self-mutilation.
* Aggression.
* Refusing to dress or undress.
* Bedwetting.
* Disruption in appetite.
* Sophisticated (developmentally inappropriate) sexual knowledge or behaviour.
Kidz Clinics are professional child-friendly facilities are located centrally in communities and provide a range of comprehensive medical and therapeutic services to children who have been sexually, physically and emotionally abused or neglected.
Support and therapy are also provided to the non-offending members of the child’s family.
You may contact Kidz Clinic on 011 892 0404.
