S. BALARAMAN
Child abuse is a deeply distressing issue that affects countless children worldwide.
It refers to the intentional or neglectful actions that cause harm, potential harm, or
a threat of harm to a child.
This maltreatment is taking place in various forms, including physical (intentional
harm or injury to a child) emotional (criticism, humiliation, or rejection) and
sexual abuse (Inappropriate sexual behaviour or exploitation) as well as neglect
(Failure to meet a child’s basic needs).
All types of child abuse and neglect leave the affected child with long-lasting scars
that may be physical or psychological, but they are the emotional scars that leave
the child with life-long effects, damage to the child’s sense of self, the ability to
build healthy relationships and function at home, work or school. Nowadays this
situation is resulting in the child turning to alcohol or drugs to numb the painful
feelings. On the other hand, the exposure by the child to violence during childhood
can increase vulnerability of that child to mental and physical health problems like
anxiety disorder, depression, etc. Due to this management of child abuse can be
complicated, and often require a multidisciplinary approach, encompass
professionals who will identifying the cause of the abuse or neglect, treatment of
the immediate problems and referral of the child to the relevant child protection
authority for action. Counselling services for the child and the caregivers should
form part of the management regime. Therefore, prevention of child abuse is the
best way to overcome these situations. Prevention methods like “Education” on
promoting awareness about child abuse and its consequences, establishing strong
“support networks” for families, including parenting classes or counselling and
encouraging the reporting of suspected abuse to appropriate authorities, ensuring
a swift response to protect the child.