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Child Abuse: Can Your Child Be A Victim of It?
Child abuse is something we have been hearing of from every spheres. Everywhere there is a child being subjected to abuse by a known or complete stranger. Be it a physical one or mental; child abuse leaves behind a deep scar that can hamper your child's growth, leaving him or her distressed for the life ahead. While there are different types and forms of child abuse known to us, sexual abuse is one which stays hidden owing to the shame and guilt factors related to it. As a parent it is of prime importance for you to understand what sexual abuse is all about.
What Child Sexual Abuse is all about?
Exposing a child to any sexual situation or material is sexually offensive and a heinous act that shouldn't be ignored. Reports state that over 25% of kids under the age bracket of three get sexually abused. Also, these sexual predators in most of the cases happen to be relatives or closed ones on whom the kids rely completely. It's not that only girls are subjected to sexual abuse, boys too fall a victim to it. Despite the pain kids who have faced such kind of abuse go through, the culprits walk away unharmed as most of the cases go unreported.
How Can Your Child Be Affected?
Sexual abuse leaves a child completely broken; both mentally and physically. Kids who have undergone this traumatic situation tend to confide in themselves and show no interest in meeting people around. Fearing that they may break their relations with the family, kids never report the matter to parents or their confidants. The shame and guilt keep on mounting within which can lead to a grave situation in future.
The Warning Signs
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Child has trouble in walking or sitting
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Shows knowledge of sexual acts irrelevant to his or her age
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Avoids a specific person with no obvious justification
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Denies changing clothes in front of others
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Shies away from taking part in physical activities
Doing the damage control
As parents you can play a vital role in helping your child get over the tribulations of sexual abuse. Shower them with love and extreme care that will help them in confiding in you and feel protected. Never turn a deaf ear to any report of sexual abuse coming from your child's end. Always remember, your ignorance can prove fatal to your kid's future. Be alert and help your child against sexual abuse!
Helpline Numbers: To report a child abuse or seek any relevant help, you can always get in touch with ChildLine India on 1098.