Child Sexual Abuse by Adrian Udeh

These days they are so many cases of children being SEXUALLY ABUSED by adults. We hear cases of teachers sexually abusing students and even parents sexually abusing their children. These children due to fear or ignorance tend to keep such acts to themselves. With the little time we have spent with some of these children, we came to realise that some of these children think that what is being done to them is normal, and that is why they see no reason to report such acts.

CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON VICTIMS

·         Children never really forget the

experience; some can describe it in details years after it occurred.

·         Lifelong emotional problems.

·         Damaged sexual development.

·         Pregnancy and sexual and sexually transmitted diseases.

·         Low self esteem.

·         Depression.

·         Poor school result.

·         Prostitution and criminal conduct.

·         Trust issues etc.

SOME SIGNS OF ABUSE IN CHILDREN

·         Being too secretive.

·         Becoming withdrawn or clingy.

·         Refusal to be around certain people.

·         Pain, discolouration or bleeding from genital.

·         Use of new adult words for body parts.

·         Regression to younger-age behaviour such as bed-wetting.

·         Acting in an inappropriate sexual way with toys/objects –the list is endless/

HOW TO PREVENT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

·         A conversation, not a talk about sex (give age appropriate information on sex), when children are very young.

·         The communication gap between parents and children must be bridged.

·         Name and identify children’s private parts (do not colour the names,  use the biological names).

·         Teach every child boundaries as it relates to their sexuality.

·         Use everyday examples to prove that your child can trust you and discuss anything with you.

·         Be always available to listen to your children.

TIPS ON HOW TO HANDLE ABUSE CASES

·         Break the silence.” Keep it a secrete”, is the strategy the perpetrators tell their victims so they stay silent. But the first step to healing is to speak out. This will also encourage other victims to know that they are not alone.

·         Parents should listen and believe any child that says he or she has been abused.

·         Try not to be over emotional and assure the child it is not his or her fault.

·         Let the abused know that they are not alone.

·         Find medical and psychological help for the abused.

·         Take actions against the abuser.

·         Abused children should not be interrogated by their parent; a different person is best suited to investigate the issue.

·         Parents of the abused get devastated; they feel guilty that they were no protective enough. So they too need help and support.

·         Do not pressure the victim into forgiving.

Article Written By Adrian Wealth .