The 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children campaign takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day) tackling the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.
Child abuse is much talked about with different kinds of abuse like sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Neglecting a child is also a form of abuse.
Child physical abuse is the intentional infliction of an injury on a child. South African Police Service (SAPS) provided these indicators on their website of signs when a child is being physically abused:
- Bite marks
- Bruises on uncommonly injured body surfaces
- Lacerations
- Burns
- High incidence of accidents or frequent injuries
- Fractures or broken bones in unusual places such as the skull or ribs
- Injuries, swellings to face and extremities
- Discolouration of skin
- Blunt instrument marks
- Human hand marks
- Multiple injuries at different stages of healing
- Evidence of poor care or failure to thrive.
Behavioural indicators of physical abuse, the child:–
- Avoids physical contact with others
- Is apprehensive when other children cry
- Wears clothing to purposely conceal injury, such as long sleeves
- Refuses to undress for sport or for required physical exams at school
- Gives inconsistent versions about occurrences of injuries
- Seems frightened of parents
- Is often late or absent from school
- Comes to school early and seems reluctant to go home afterwards
- Has difficulty getting along with others
- Plays aggressively and often hurts peers
- Complains of pain upon movement or contact
- Has a history of running away from home.
Related articles:
Africa Check: Levels of child sexual abuse in SA even higher than activist claimed
