Children must be seen and heard

NEWCASTLE – Child abuse harms a child mentally, emotionally and sexually.

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Irrespective of age, race, gender, financial situation or circumstances, child abuse can occur anywhere at anytime, and manifests in various forms. Children are the future, and as grown-ups it is our responsibility to assure each and every child is being taken care of and protected.

To prevent or minimise child abuse, Newcastle SAPS has issued precautions pertaining to ways children can be helped, and create a safer environment for all children.

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Below is a list of the different types of abuse:

– Sexual abuse

– Forcing a child to touch you

– Exposing a child to pornographic material

– Touching a child where he or she doesn’t want to be touched and when it is appropriate

– Physical abuse

– Hitting or hurting a child – or to relieve your own frustration on him or her

– Emotional abuse

– To degrade, threaten or to yell at a child

– Neglect

– Not taking proper care of a child, for example not cleaning, clothing feeding a child.

According to SAPS Corporate Communications Liaison officer, Lizzy Arumugam, it is of utmost importance to report child abuse to the police expeditiously.

“Children have the right to feel safe!”

She said the perpetrator is often someone known to the child. They could be a parent, family members, friends or even a neighbour. This however does not mean all those in position of a child’s trust, abuse children.

“Children are vulnerable, and parents or caregivers should always know where and who their children are with. It is a parent’s responsibility to always act in the best interest of their children, and child protection starts at home and with one’s own family,” she said.

Steps to be taken after abuse:

– Ensure the child can talk to someone trustworthy.

– Never allow abuse to become a secret between the child and the abuser.

– If someone has already abused a child, they should not be protected, for any reason. Report it!

– If in a case where no one believes the child, they should then confide in someone else. They can go to a clinic and report it to a nurse, who will have the authority to report it to the police.

Report abuse to your nearest police station, or alternatively, contact Childline on the toll-free number, 0800 05 55 55.