Ko-q project : Child Abuse

Child maltreatment, sometimes referred to as child abuse and neglect, includes all forms of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, and exploitation that results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, development or dignity.

Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse might be the most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse and neglect, also leave deep, lasting scars. The earlier abused children get help, the greater chance they have to heal and break the cycle—rather than perpetuating it. By learning about common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.Child abuse includes the following conditions:

• Physical abuse

• Child neglection

• Child sexual abuse

• Emotional neglect and abuse

  Although some cases of child abuse are obvious, many are not. Early recognition of child abuse tendencies and intervention at the point of recognition is the only way to avoid the liability of criminal prosecution.

If you think you are acting in an abusive way or are having a difficult time with your children or yourself as a parent, you may have identified a tendency to be abusive. These tendencies can include the following:

·         Excessive and loud verbal confrontation

·         Excessive corporal punishment

·         Sexual feelings or excessive feelings of anger about children

Effect of child abuse :

·         Lack of trust and relationship difficulties.  Abuse by a primary caregiver damages the most fundamental relationship as a child that you will safely, reliably get your physical and emotional needs met by the person who is responsible for your care. Without this base, it is very difficult to learn to trust people or know who is trustworthy. This can lead to difficulty maintaining relationships due to fear of being controlled or abused

·         Trouble regulating emotions. Abused children cannot express emotions safely. As a result, the emotions get stuffed down, coming out in unexpected ways. Adult survivors of child abuse can struggle with unexplained anxiety, depression, or anger. They may turn to alcohol or drugs to numb out the painful feelings.

Ways to Help Prevent Child Abuse :

1.Be a nurturing parent.

Children need to know that they are special, loved and capable of following their dreams.

2.Help a friend, neighbor or relative.

Being a parent isn’t easy. Offer a helping hand take care of the children, so the

parent(s) can rest or spend time together.

3.Help yourself.

When the big and little problems of your everyday life pile up to the point you feel

overwhelmed and out of control – take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.

4.Get involved.

Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of healthy children and families.

5.Help to develop parenting resources at your local library.

6.Promote programs in school.

Teaching children, parents and teachers prevention strategies can help to keep children safe.

Conclusion :

With the right kind of social support, including therapy, love, and environmental stimulation children are able to cope with, and sometimes overcome childhood traumas, make multiple attachments, and develop socially, building sustainable relationship.