Child abuse is one of the biggest problems in the world. Child abuse can take place in various forms. It may be in the form of physical abuse, emotional or sexual abuse amongst other forms. None of these forms of child abuse is acceptable!

ABUSE BY A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND IS ESPECIALLY HARMFUL

In physical abuse a child is severely beaten up. In sexual abuse, the child is molested or forced to have sexual intercourse. Often, violence on children is even done by the family of the child or someone known to them. This means that the person causing pain to child is someone he knows and loves. This is not just wrong, but because children trust adults that they grow up with, it is especially harmful to the child’s development. If a child is ill-treated by someone he trusts, he will grow up not being able to trust anyone.

A PARENT HELPS MOULD A CHILD’S FUTURE

A child is the face of innocence. A child’s mind is like clay. Just like you can mould clay into any shape you like you can also mould the thoughts of a child in any way. Especially in their early years, they absorb almost everything you do or say without being able to understand or discern bad from good behaviour. If a child grows up in violence, he or she will in many cases be a violent adult. If a child grows up in a surrounding of love, he or she can grow up to be a loving and caring adult.

THE EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE ARE BOTH PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL

Child abuse results in a lot of negative effects. It may cause the child to become emotionally isolated. Repeated physical abuse leads to health problems for children. A child’s body is not fully developed and if it is made to suffer physically proper development may never take place.

Sometimes the violence against children remains hidden. It may sometimes be seen as a part of culture and considered socially acceptable. Sometimes children are accused of witchcraft and are then beaten up. A child is the most innocent form of human life and it is never acceptable to abuse a child.

PHYSICAL VIOLENCE DOES NOT LEAD TO RESPECT

It is often said that a little physical punishment is important to make a child learn how to respect elders. However, respect cannot be imposed by fear. Respect is something that is earned. If adults are loving and caring to a child, the child will respect them. If adults set a good role model, the child will respect them. Also, if a child obeys an adult just because they are scared of being beaten does not mean that they learn what is right. All they learn is that violence will lead to obedience.

THE LAW PROTECTS CHILDREN FROM VIOLENCE AND ABUSE

The fact that often children cannot protect themselves does not mean that they are alone when they are subjected to abuse. The law is on their side. Children also have rights under the law. Human rights protect the rights of all human beings, including children.

Human rights recognize that children should grow up in a healthy environment. They recognize that children need love and care. The following four rights are acknowledged as important for the development of a child:

1. Right to survival– This means that the child should have a name and a nationality. A child should have a healthy life.
2. Right to development– Children should be educated.
3. Right to protection– Children should be protected from abuse and ill-treatment.
4. Right to participation– A child should be allowed to express thoughts and feelings.

One way in which child abuse can be prevented is by creating support groups. Parents, teachers and all adults interacting with children must be sensitive to the needs of a child. Further, NGO’s and government institutions can also help reduce child abuse.

Children make a very important part of society and their well-being is a matter of concern. Children are the future of our world and we must do everything to protect them and to help them develop into healthy individuals with a good heart and a strong mind.