Curbing child abuse

According to official statistics, every year, more than three million reports of child abuse are made.

It is a terrible epidemic and the nation has to put an end to it. We need to first increase awareness on the issue.

Child abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver, through action or inaction, causes injury, death or emotional harm to a child.

There are many forms of child abuse, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse.

An abused child will often experience more than one type of abuse, as well as other difficulties in their lives. It often happens over a period of time, rather than being a one-off event.

Among professionals and the general public, bad behaviours constitute ‘physical abuse’ of a child. Physical abuse often does not occur in isolation, but as part of a constellation of behaviour including authoritarian control and anxiety-provoking behavior and lack of parental warmth.

Child sexual abuse is a form in which an adult or older adolescent abuses a child for sexual stimulation. Sexual abuse refers to the participation of a child in a sexual act aimed at the physical satisfaction or financial profit of the person committing the act.

It can also cause a range of emotional effects. Children who are constantly ignored, shamed, terrorised or humiliated suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they were physically assaulted.

Preventing child abuse can be done by addressing parents and guardians. These include developing a bond and expressing love between parent and child studies. Parents that have an understanding of the importance of their role in the development of their children are more motivated to create a positive environment.

Olusesan Busola

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