Beware warning signs of child abuse

CHILD protection week is commemorated from 31 May to 7 June.
In an effort to help promote awareness about child abuse, Montclair Victim Support and Montclair SAPS have issued information to help the fight against abuse.

What is child protection?
It is the process of protecting individual children identified as suffering or who are likely to suffer significant harm as a result of abuse or neglect.

 
Here are a few awareness tips on child abuse.
Children are harmed in a variety of ways including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect
The effects of child abuse includes lack of trust, relationship difficulties, feelings of being worthless or damaged and trouble regulating emotions.

Warning signs of child abuse may be emotional withdrawal, fear or anxious about doing something wrong or extreme behaviour such as being passive, compliant, demanding or aggressive. Children could also show a detachment from a parent, caregiver, relative or close friend.
Children who are abused may show inappropriately adult or infantile behaviour.

 
Warnings of physical abuse may include frequent injuries, unexplained bruising, welts or cuts or the child may seem watchful and alert. Children who are being abused could also shy away from touch, flinches at sudden movement or is afraid to go home.

A child being abused may wear inappropriate “climate” clothing to cover injuries.
A sign of a child being neglected could include constant bad hygiene, untreated illness or physical injuries. A child may may also have Ill-fitted or filthy clothes
Children who are neglected are frequently unsupervised and left alone and are frequently late or absent from school

 
Warning signs of sexual abuse include trouble walking or sitting, display knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate to age, displays interest in sexual acts inappropriate to age or if a child runs away from home. A child being abused might not want to partake in physical activities and doesn’t not want to change in front of others.
Risk factors for child abuse and neglect include domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse or a lack of parenting skills.

How do you know you crossed the line? You can’t stop the anger, you feel emotionally disconnected from your child or meeting the daily needs of your child seems impossible. Other people may have expressed concern over you behaviourHow do you change your reactions: learn what is age appropriate and what is not. Develop new parenting skills. Take care of yourself or get professional help
Learn how you can get your emotions under control.

Contact the Victim Support Centre on 031-469-8220.