Overview

Child abuse is a serious problem deeply rooted in unhealthy relationships and environments which has long-term harmful effects on children. Child abuse is any kind of mistreatment with a child (under 18) by an adult that can result in harm or injury. It may be physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual or emotional abuse. It can be a one-time occurrence or a pattern of recurring behavior. If the abuse continues for a long time, the consequences become more serious and can lead to neurological damage, developmental delays, learning disorders, aggression and other behavioral and mental disorders.

Each April, Child AbusePrevention Month activities raise awareness about this deplorable issue. We can also learn ways to prevent and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect of children through awareness programs. Child abuse can occur within a family setting, school, day care or any other facility used by children.  The causes of child abuse are numerous and can be due to individual factors like low self-esteem or isolation to societal factors such as stresses of poverty or financial problems.

Unfortunately, child abuse has no boundaries and can occur in all segments of our society. However, the risk factors of child abuse are higher where the parents are going through any of the factors mentioned below:

• Have financial, societal or relationship problems;
• Are isolated from their family or society;
• Have difficulty controlling anger or stress;
• Have unrealistic expectations;
• Are dealing with physical or mental health issues;
• Abuse alcohol or drugs; and/or
• Have stress of single parenting.

Whether you are a parent or a caretaker, the following protective factors given below will help you to promote well-being in the family and child's life and prevent child abuse and neglect.

Educating yourself about Child Abuse

Every parent should know what constitutes child abuse and neglect to ensure their child remains well protected. Child abuse may also include failure of a parent or caregiver to provide a child with basic necessities such as food, clothing and care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated. If you as a parent, teacher or caregiver are aware of child abuse and neglect, you will be able to pick out signs of abuse in children with ease and report such issues to the concerned authorities. Common signs include depression, fear of a certain adult, trusting issues, making new friends, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility.

Being a Nurturing Parent

Being a nurturing parent and improving your relationship with your children will make them feel loved and secure and improve your communication with them. When parents encourage and praise children on their achievements, it makes them motivated towards higher goals in life. Spending time with them and enjoying activities they like will increase compassion and warmth for each other which helps parents to provide positive parenting and a healthy physical, social, and emotional environment for their children.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations for children’s behavior and capacity are major risk factors for child abuse and neglect. If you set realistic expectations for your children, they know exactly what is expected from them. In a stressful situation, this knowledge helps you remain calm, recognize your child’s development in action, and understand what skills you can help the child develop next.

Disciplining your Children

Teaching discipline to children is very important at every age but it must always be done in a calm and composed manner. never discipline a child in a state of fury. This can only happen when the parent or caregiver is calm and can deal with their own emotions well. Parents can use incentives or privileges to encourage acceptable behavior and time-outs to help the child practice self-control and reflect.

Examining your Behavior

It is essential to examine your own behavior as a parent or caregiver first. Building a positive relationship with your child is the best thing you can do as a parent. Use empathetic words and actions to connect with your children as angry or punishing language can leave emotional scars that may take years to heal. Coping with stresses of everyday life such as health problems, marital conflict, domestic violence or financial stressors, may reduce a parent's capacity to cope effectively with the typical day-to-day stresses of raising children.

Teaching Children Their Right To Protection

Every child has a right to protection from exploitation and abuse. When children are taught they are special and have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse is their fault, and more likely to report an offender.

Conclusion

True prevention of child abuse and neglect requires recognition and awareness by parents and caretakers as part of the solution. Preventive efforts and policies must directly address children and their parents and their surrounding environment. A coordinated effort by everyone is required to prevent th abuse and strengthen families and mitigate the effects of maltreatment. For parents or caretakers, it is necessary to try to understand your children and don’t force your expectations on them. Talk to them politely and not use foul language. Take time-out for yourself and for your child and stop if you begin to act out frustration or other emotions physically.