Child Abuse – Understanding and Preventing Child Abuse

child abuse, prevent child abuse

The norm of “spare the rod and spoil the child” is not relevant to modern times. Society today recognizes the monster that is child abuse. It is horrifying but child abuse is prevalent in urban and rural society and among the literate and illiterate.

Every day there are stories of the rape of a minor in her own home, a child shut up in a cupboard or cellar for months and years, or a child beaten by a teacher in school. There seems no end to the sadness and horror.

Often society—be it parents, relatives, neighbors—think nothing of harming a child and often vent their frustrations and anger on a child. Being drunk, out of a job, or having relationship problems is no excuse for any adult to harm a child.

Child abuse is an evil

Child abuse is an evil that each and every one of us has to acknowledge. Child abuse can take many forms: verbal abuse, mental abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse and more.

As parents and concerned citizens, we adults need to be aware of the signs of child abuse:

  • a change in behavior of a child;
  • a child showing signs of beating or being roughened up;
  • fright in a child;
  • a child that refuses to look up and meet your eyes;
  • a child that cowers when you extend a hand towards it;
  • a child that hides physically and mentally,
  • a child that is withdrawn or silent;
  • a child that is nervous and keeps looking around like an animal being hunted; and more.

Very often child abuse takes the form of neglect: a child does not receive the attention they need; is starved; wears soiled clothes and shows signs of being unkempt; is denied food or shelter; or is used for menial labor and more.

Organizations the world over are working on various aspects of child abuse and formulating the ways in which the world will treat children with dignity and love. Most women and child ministries are proactive and are reaching out to citizens through the media. But essentially it is up to each one of us to look out for signs of child abuse and decide “I will not be a bystander and will try to do something to protect every child.”

Preventing child abuse

It is not easy. The first step is to learn all you can about child abuse. Never take matters into your own hands (especially if the child does not belong to you). Most nations have toll-free numbers for child abuse as well as help lines.

Teach your children how to protect themselves at all times. If you hire help for the home, like caregivers or babysitters, ask for references and do a background check. Never hire a person because he or she is smart looking or has a nice smile. Be smart, check out their credentials and (if required) register the help with the local police station.

Always befriend the child so that the child can speak to you about anything and share their thoughts. If you suspect a child is being mistreated don’t turn away, make all efforts to report what you feel to competent authorities. In case you yourself are guilty of some kind of child abuse, accept that you have a problem and make all efforts to resolve it.

Did you know even pushing a child to excel or come first in studies is a kind of abuse? We do not realize it but mental abuse in terms of hurting a child is far more common than drunken beating.

Let us all resolve to bring the issue of child abuse to the forefront. Understand the problem and try to change how children are treated in this world. That we want the world to be a better or perfect place should not just be a concept, we need to work towards the reality.

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About the Author

Ahendita is an experienced writer and editor with over 30 years work experience. She has authored books, magazine articles, web content, e-books, and promotional materials.

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