By Mehnaz Aktar (ABI Coordinator, London North)
Child abuse can be avoided. It is something that should not happen. But it happens. That is why the prevention of child abuse and protecting them is so important. Child abuse and maltreatment has a profound effect on the child’s mental and physical health, impacting all aspects of their life which can last a lifetime. We can all help to avoid a child being abused by intervening early on, by recognising the risks and acting when required. This will save a child from experiencing devastating and damaging ordeals.
Recognising the signs of child abuse is the first vital step for everyone and anyone to ensure that early intervention can be put in place to actively stop the abuse from taking place or going further. It is paramount that we know what some of these signs are to help these children. Here are a few signs of child abuse; unexplained change in behaviour/personality, becoming withdrawn or clingy or becoming aggressive and impulsive. Very few friends if any, poor relationship with parents/family members, dishevelled appearance, poor hygiene/dirty clothes, always hungry, inappropriate adult knowledge or conversations. Sometimes an adult who is caring for a child may display worrying behaviour that may indicate child abuse such as, not allowing the child any privacy or insisting to spend alone time with them, treat a particular child in a certain way to make them feel ‘special’. These are only a few examples amongst many other signs that maybe presented by children or an adult caring for children.
It is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard children, protecting them from harm and promoting their wellbeing. This enables children to thrive, to reach their potential, to be happy, to have a childhood with pleasant memories and to just be a child. Child abuse affects some individuals right through adulthood, hindering them from being successful, happy, and contributing towards the community. Now think of someone who hasn’t had to endure damaging abuse whilst they were younger, they would flourish and enjoy life as it should be. Therefore, it is paramount we protect all children, to protect their happiness, their right to be a child, their right to a bright future with endless opportunities. To protect the children is to protect the future.