Child Abuse – A Problem That Needs To Be Addressed

For many children who are exposed of sexual abuse all around the world, carrying traumatic memories into maturity is a harsh reality.

Regrettably, sexual abuse is much more common than people think believe. According to the World Health Organization, over 75% of children aged 3–5 years – or 300 million children – are subjected to physical and/or psychological abuse by their parents and caregivers on a daily basis.

Two out of every ten women and two out of every twenty males say they were sexually molested as a kid between the ages of three and seventeen. Forced sexual intercourse has been experienced by 125 million girls and young women under the age of 18.

What do these facts indicate? Almost everyone has gone through these things, and if you have not, you probably know someone who has or is going through it right now. Child abuse is a terrible problem, and you, as a person, should take action to address it.

Effects of child abuse

Harm suffered as a kid can have long-term consequences, and children might react differently to what has happened.

As a result of being injured, children may have a variety of emotional, psychological, and physical issues, including:

• low self-confidence
• Anxiety, shame, and self-blame are all on the rise.
• Adults are distrusted, and developing relationships with others is tough.
• Attachments with individuals who are supposed to keep them safe have been disturbed.
• Suicidal ideation or self-harming
• Poor speech and learning ability are examples of learning disabilities.
• Delays in growth, eating issues, and physical diseases are all common.
• Permanent bodily injury or death are also possible outcomes.
• Other behavioural issues include violent, aggressive, or criminal behaviour.

It should be mentioned that the effects of abuse on certain children may not be seen in their behaviour.

Physical And Emotional Signs of Abuse

If you feel a kid is being mistreated, you should report it immediately so that the youngster can obtain assistance. Among the signs and symptoms of child abuse are:

• Wunds, belt marks, bite marks, and fractures are examples of physical injuries.
• Injuries to the genital area.
• Clingy or withdrawing conduct.
• Behaviour that is aggressive or violent.
• Behaviors that involve taking risks.
• Emotional outbursts are common.
• Rocking, sucking, and biting are examples of repetitive motions.
• Sadness.
• Nervousness.

Things You Can Do to Prevent Child Abuse

Make a donation of your time. Become connected with other parents in your neighbourhood. Assist at-risk children and their families. Organize a playgroup.

Mindfully discipline your children. When you are unhappy, don’t discipline your youngster. Allow yourself some time to relax. Keep in mind that discipline is a method of teaching your child.

Both words and deeds have the potential to cause severe, long-lasting scars. Be a kind and compassionate parent. Show youngsters and other adults that problems can be resolved without striking or screaming through your actions.

Keep in mind that child abuse typically occurs again in the next generation. You can help save children’s lives in the future by doing everything you can to avoid it today.