SHATTER THE SILENCE!
LET’S TEACH OUR CHILD IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO TELL ABOUT THEIR ABUSE.
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IS TRULY A GLOBAL PROBLEM
Child Sexual Abuse has become a serious public health problem. About 1 in 4 girls are been sexually abused, and what else a girl child need to face than this? Data shows many children wait to report or never report that they are been sexually abused.
Child Sexual Abuse is an adverse childhood experience (ACE) which results in both short and long term physical-mental health problems. Mentally it affects their thoughts, feelings or emotions and behavior.”Humanity DIES when a child is abused”. Studies have found that a female child exposed to sexual abuse is 2-13 times at risk of sexual victimization in adulthood.
Why does a child gets afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially when the abuser is a close one? A child who is been sexually abuse sometimes care for the abuser , they might be influenced in any way that the child gets afraid or worried about getting themselves into trouble or getting the abuser into trouble. Higher Responsibilities lies in the hands of the parents to educate and watch the signs of action a child performs in their day to day life and a small change in their behavior highlights that they may be physical, mentally or socially into problems or concerns.
Some signs a child reflect, when they are sexually abused;
A child gives clues or hint that the abuse is happening, without revealing it directly.
Behavioral changes such as being aggressive, clingy(emotionally dependent on others),difficulties in sleeping,bed-wetting, nightmares.
Some shows sexually inappropriate behaviour such as showing sexual behavior inappropriate to age, compulsive habit.
Avoiding the abuser – dislike or seem afraid of that person, trying to avoid spending time with them.
School behaviors such as finds reason to avoid going to school, drop in grades, poor concentration and attention.
Physical problems such as soreness in genital or anal area, sexually transmitted infections, in some cases pregnancy.
Risk of Psychological problems an abused child might undergo includes Depression, anxiety, eating disorder, post traumatic stress disorder. Behavioral consequences include increased suicidal attempts or suicide, risky sexual behavior, drug abuse.
Be the voice for those who cannot speak, Save Child from abuse!
Counseling and social support: Many may not reveal psychological struggle they undergo after abuse, but it is important to address the issues, by observing and encouraging the child to speak about their mental struggles. Studies show that therapy is the effective treatment for a child to overcome themselves from negative thoughts and behaviors. Seek mental health professionals at right time.
Government initiatives-National Child Helpline: 1098
POSCO “protection of children from sexual offences” law to protect the children from offences of sexual assault (one intentionally touches another person without consent or physically forces to engage in sexual act), harassment (unwanted attention of sexual nature eg., jokes about sex etc) etc and pornography ,while safe guarding the child .
A believing and supporting mother or caretaker can be a strong bridge to overcome their struggle.
