National Child Protection Week, observed from 30 May to 6 June, aims to highlight the need for children to be protected against all forms of violence and raise awareness about the rights of children as stipulated in the Constitution and the Children’s Act of 2005.
On 8 June 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that an estimated 1 billion children aged two to 17 had experienced physical, sexual or emotional violence or neglect in the previous year. According to law, a child refers to anyone younger than 18.
The WHO defines child abuse as a lack of appropriate action or a single or repetitive act which causes harm or distress in any relationship where there is an expectation of trust.
Common forms of child abuse
Physical abuse
This refers to actual or potential physical harm caused by an action or lack of action. This may involve hitting, spanking, shaking, shoving, throwing, poisoning, drowning and suffocating that may cause – or is committed with the intention of causing – physical harm or ill health.
Sexual abuse
This type of abuse refers to unconsented sexual activity, where an older adolescent or adult uses a child for sexual gratification. It includes indecent exposure, child grooming, sexual exploitation and child pornography.
Emotional abuse
This can refer to any act of omission and commission by the parent or caregiver which is immediately or ultimately psychologically damaging. It affects the psychological, behavioural, social, cognitive and emotional functioning or development of a child. Frequent yelling at a child, or threatening, bullying, or exposing him or her to violence or the abuse of others, is considered emotional abuse.
Neglect
This form of abuse is defined as the persistent absence of responsive care.
Different types of neglect
- Physical neglect
When children’s basic needs for food, clothing or shelter are not met, or if they are not kept safe or properly supervised, they are said to experience physical neglect.
- Educational neglect
This type of neglect occurs when parents fail to ensure that their child is given an education.
- Emotional neglect
Any child needs proper nurturing and stimulation. When children are ignored, humiliated, intimidated or isolated, they experience emotional neglect.
- Medical neglect
When children are denied medical care, especially in the case of a serious physical injury or illness, they experience medical neglect. This usually takes one of two forms: Either caregivers do not seek medical treatment when children show clear signs of serious illness, or they do not follow the recommended medical advice.
- Exploitation
This refers to the use of people as a resource, with little or no consideration of their well-being. In relation to a child, exploitation includes all forms of slavery or practices similar to slavery, such as debt bondage or forced marriage; sexual exploitation; servitude; forced labour or services; sale of a child; the use of a child to commit a crime; prostitution; pornography; trafficking and child labour prohibited in terms of the laws of the land; and the removal of body parts.
- Online child exploitation
This a unique form of child abuse also known as cyber molestation. It includes cyber-bullying and grooming, as well as coercing and blackmailing children for sexual purposes.
Indicators of child abuse
There are various signs and symptoms of child abuse. These include, but are not limited, to:
- Suspicious, unexplained injuries, bruises, burns or broken bones.
- A child displaying unsuitable sexual behaviour for his or her age.
- Malnourishment, poor hygiene and the regular skipping of school.
- A child becoming secretive about phone calls, hiding the computer screen or receiving unexpected gifts or money.
- A child being picked up from school by strangers, showing signs of self-harm or regularly going missing from school or home.
- A child being fearful of a parent or caregiver, talking badly about themselves (such as saying, “I’m stupid”) or exhibiting sudden changes in speech (such as stuttering).
Effects of child abuse
Child abuse does not simply effect a child in the moment. It can have long-lasting consequences, such as:
- Impaired brain development.
- Poor physical health.
- Psychological issues.
- Relational issues.
- Substance abuse.
- Behavioral issues.
- Abusive behaviour towards others.
Prevention of child abuse
While it is required by law for social workers, teachers, healthcare practitioners and religious leaders to report any suspected child abuse, it is the responsibility of each citizen to care about the well-being of the children in their communities.
Anyone who suspects that a child is being abused or neglected can call the childline on 0800-055-555 or the police on 10111.
Compiled by Annelize Essop, social worker at the Bophelo Child and Youth Care Centre in Beaconsfield, Kimberley. Send an email to annelize@afmwelfare.org.za for more information.
