Dr Beenish Javaid
Children are the assets of any society and they determine the future of that society. Thus, their physical and mental health should be a prime concern. Child abuse is a global challenging issue which needs to be addressed. Child abuse cases in Pakistan are taking alarming proportions. A 10% increase in child abuse cases was reported in 2016 as compared to 2015 and is still mounting. At least 5 children have been reported to be abducted and 11 children to be sexually abused everyday according to the report, ‘Cruel numbers 2016’. And these are just the numbers of reported cases. Many go unreported and the number of cases of physical and psychological abuse and neglect are even more.
All forms of child abuse need to be addressed in order to prevent them. Any form of physical or emotional ill treatment, sexual abuse, neglect or any kind of exploitation resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity is considered as child abuse. Our children face multiple problems but they don’t discuss with their elders. We as elders need to provide reassurance and unconditional support to our kids because child abuse has dreadful and typically life-long consequences and they affect the victims themselves as well as the society.
The consequences of physical abuse range from minor injuries to severe brain damage and even death. It also adversely affects the child’s development and dignity. Sexual abuse has life-long impact and results in guilt and self blame, self-esteem difficulties, sexual dysfunction and mental illnesses. Emotional abuse results in significant psychological harm to the child. Its consequences range from chronic low self-esteem to severe dissociative states. Child neglect may be supervisory, physical, medical, emotional or educational. It results in delays in physical and psychological development, difficult time forming and maintaining relationships and impaired neuropsychological function.Let’s talk about child abuse and protect our children. It’s our responsibility to confront this challenge and to raise healthy children. It will be really miserable if we fail in this regard. Child abuse is a heartbreaking issue and it can happen anywhere and to anyone. No culture or socioeconomic class is immune. Denial won’t change the reality. Educate yourself on the statistics of child abuse and understand that even your own child could be at risk. Give appropriate education to your children and facilitate conversations with them. Let them know that they can come to you about anything. Listen and validate when a child reveals abuse and be calm and non-judgmental.
It is a myth that child abuse is rare in our society. The reality is contrary to this. Also it is thought that it is only abuse if it is violent but the fact is that child abuse also includes emotional abuse and has a really adverse impact on child’s mental health. Another misconception is that children grow out of their bad experiences but the truth is that the abuse typically has long lasting impact and it isn’t possible for them to just get over it.
Spread awareness of the realities of child abuse to bring a significant change. Every child has a right to live a happy childhood free of violence and abuse. Not raising our voices about these issues is immoral. The least we can do is speak to our children and educate them.
Trending
- Indian PM’s decision to call AJ&K a part of India is a violation of UN resolutions: Javed Badhanvi
- Significance of Qatar Emir’s crucial Bangladesh visit
- Dr. Yunus’ Dark Side and Social Media Users
- Terrorizing the CPEC: Analyzing a Comprehensive Security Framework for CPEC
- Flood in Gwadar
- In Pursuit of Morels: A Childhood Adventure
- FBL Unveils Strong Financial Results for the Q1’24
- High-profile UK delegation explores collaborative opportunities at NUST