Sometimes we see a sudden change in the behavior of some children. A child who used to laugh, run around and play suddenly becomes quiet, stays alone in a room, or seems scared all the time. Maybe you see bruises and scratches all over the child's body. When we see these things, we feel a big question and fear in our hearts, "Is something wrong with this child?" Here is a very sensitive and serious topic that we all need to be aware of as a society, that is, child abuse.
Simply put, what is child abuse?
Child abuse is simply the intentional physical or mental harm or neglect of a child. The sad part is that most of the time, this abuse is committed by someone the child knows and trusts. This person could be a parent, a close relative, a caregiver, or a family friend.
According to Sri Lankan law, as well as the law of many countries around the world, any form of intentional abuse, harassment, or neglect of a child under the age of 18 is considered a serious crime .
What are the main types of child abuse?
Child abuse is not limited to one form. It can come in many forms. It is very important to be aware of this.
| Type of abuse | This means... |
|---|---|
| Physical Abuse | Hitting, pushing, hitting, kicking, shaking, burning a child, etc. Also, not allowing a child to fulfill basic needs such as eating, drinking, and going to the toilet falls into this category. |
| Emotional Abuse | Constantly hurting a child with words. For example, insulting the child, constantly blaming them, scolding them severely, threatening them, shouting at them, etc. This greatly damages the child's self-esteem. |
| Sexual Abuse | Sexually abusing a child, inappropriately touching a child, using a child for pornography, or showing such things to a child. This is a very serious crime. |
| Medical Abuse | Deliberately trying to make a child sick or failing to treat a child's illness. |
| Child Neglect | Not providing a child with the basic things they need: food, clothing, a safe home, education, medical care, and especially love and care. |
Is spanking a child abuse?
This is a topic that is often discussed in our society. There are different opinions about giving a child a light spank to discipline them when they make a mistake. But we need to think about this from a medical perspective.
If a child is punished by hitting them in a way that causes a wound, bruise, or swelling, it is definitely considered physical abuse .
Research has shown that physical punishment (spanking) of children can hinder their social development. In particular, these children are at greater risk of developing low self-esteem, poor academic performance, and weakened family relationships.
Before punishing a child, ask yourself these questions:
- Am I doing this to teach the child something or to instill fear in the child?
- Does my child know that I love him?
- What kind of lesson am I teaching the child with this punishment?
- Will I be able to be happy with this decision later?
There are many good, healthy ways to teach discipline to children. It's worth talking to your child's doctor about this and getting advice.
How does a child's behavior change when they are abused?
There are significant changes in the behavior and mindset of a child who is being abused. Some of them are easy for us to see, but others are a little harder to recognize.
| Symptoms that may occur due to the effects of abuse | |
|---|---|
| Outward characteristics and behaviors | |
| Attempting to engage in inappropriate sexual behavior. | Frequent complaints of physical ailments such as stomachaches and headaches. |
| Childlike behavior again (e.g., finger sucking, bedwetting ). | Trying to run away from home. |
| Self-harm (e.g. cutting off limbs). | Sudden, severe changes in behavior. |
| Hidden psychological characteristics | |
| Constantly feeling anxious and depressed. | Difficulty learning and concentrating. |
| Showing symptoms of severe trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD). | Lack of emotional development. |
| Having a very low self-esteem. | Frequent nightmares and suicidal thoughts. |
If we suspect abuse, what should we do?
This is the most important part of this article. If you have even the slightest suspicion that a child is being abused, never ignore it. One small step you take can save a child's entire life.
1. Talk to the child
If you notice a change in your child's behavior, talk to him/her in a very friendly and loving manner. Make him/her feel that he/she can trust you. Encourage your child not to be afraid to tell you the truth, even if someone has told him/her not to tell anyone.
2. Ask for help immediately
Don't hide something like this out of fear or shame. Don't be afraid that your name will be revealed when you ask for help. The authorities keep that information confidential.
Places you can contact:
- If the child is in immediate danger: Call the police emergency number 119 immediately.
- To report child abuse: Call the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) 24-hour hotline at 1929. This is the main agency in Sri Lanka dedicated to this purpose.
- For medical advice: Take the child to the nearest hospital or your family doctor .
3. Do's and Don'ts
- Keep the child away from the abuser until the authorities are notified.
- Never threaten the suspected abuser or try to take the law into your own hands. This can only make the situation worse.
What will the future be like for an abused child?
If left untreated, child abuse can have long-term effects on a child's life. In addition to physical injuries, it can lead to learning disabilities, psychological problems, and difficulty forming social relationships. Even as adults, there is a risk of problems such as depression, drug addiction, and difficulty trusting others.
However, this does not mean that the future of every abused child is bleak. With proper medical treatment and counseling, these children can lead healthy, happy lives again. We should all have that faith.
If your child has been abused, talk to your doctor and ask these questions:
- What physical therapy does my child need now?
- What type of therapy will help my child the most?
- Is it beneficial for us as a family to seek counseling?
- How can I help my child recover quickly?
- What are some things we shouldn't say or do in front of our children?
Child abuse is a very sad situation. But by being aware of it, recognizing the signs, and taking the right action, we can protect children. If you suspect abuse, please don't stay silent. Protect your child from the abuser and seek professional help.
Take-Home Message
- Child abuse is not limited to physical abuse. Psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and child neglect are also serious forms of abuse.
- Often the abuser is someone the child knows well and trusts.
- If you notice a sudden, unexplained change in a child's behavior or temperament, it could be a sign of abuse.
- If you suspect that a child is being abused, do not remain silent . Immediately report it to the National Child Protection Authority on 1929 or the police on 119 .
- Proper medical and psychological treatment can help an abused child recover and lead a successful life.
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