Child Abuse

Child Abuse

“The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.”-   Child Welfare Act.

Types of Child Abuse

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or caretaker.  These injuries may include beatings, shaking, burns, human bites, strangulation, or immersion in scalding water or others, with resulting bruises and welts, fractures, scars, burns, internal injuries or any other injuries.

Emotional abuse

Emotional abuse includes the failure of a caregiver to provide an appropriate and supportive environment, and includes acts that have an adverse effect on the emotional health and development of a child. Such acts include restricting a child’s movements, denigration, ridicule, threats and intimidation, discrimination, rejection and other nonphysical forms of hostile treatment.

Neglect               

Neglect refers to the failure of a parent to provide for the development of the child – where the parent is in a position to do so – in one or more of the following areas: health, education, emotional development, nutrition, shelter and safe living conditions.  Neglect is thus distinguished from circumstances of poverty in that neglect can occur only in cases where reasonable resources are available to the family or caregiver.

Child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child or adolescent for the sexual gratification of another person

 

Educating Children about Sexual Issues

Just because a behavior is typical doesn’t mean the behavior should be ignored. Often, when children participate in sexual behavior it indicates that they need to learn something. Teach what the child needs to know, given the situation.  Although children usually respond well when parents take the time to give them correct information and answer their questions, it is important to provide information that is appropriate to the child’s age and developmental level. Too often, children get the majority of their sexual education from other children and from media sources such as television shows, songs, movies, and video games. Not only is this information often wrong, it may have very little to do with sexual values that parents want to convey. Controlling media exposure and providing appropriate alternatives is an important part of teaching children about sexual issues.

 ROLE OF EDUCATION IN PREVENTING SEXUAL ABUSE AND VIOLENCE

Teachers play an important role in curbing school violence as they are second parents of the children. A number of steps need to be taken by the teachers to eliminate this problem. Schools play a central role in teaching young people what violence against women looks like and how it can be prevented, as well as creating a safe, equal and respectful workplace culture for school staff 

—  School communities, including principals, teachers, and parents can help prevent violence by: 

—  Developing a school culture which promotes equality among staff and students.

—  Teaching students the skills to build respectful relationships, as well as recognize and challenge gender stereotypes and violence supportive attitudes.

—  Creating a safe, equal and inclusive school culture for staff and students.

—  Demonstrating appropriate and respectful behavior to students.