Child Abuse

I think we need to open our eyes towards child abuse as in our society nothing much is done about it. However the main concern is "When" and "How" do we tell children?

It is essential that parents talk to their children openly on issues related to physical abuse, interaction with strangers and so on. Communication is the most important aspect in these issues. Make it loud and clear to your child that you are available at all times to listen to their problems or opinions. And however silly it sounds be patient while hearing to them so that the comfort level of the child goes up!

I feel it's always better to have mock dramas in the house to educate the child as to how to deal with common situations involving strangers. It leaves a lasting impression on the child's mind than mere words of advice!

I guess these things could help :-
1. Communicate with children: about safety, how to stay away from danger and how to raise an alarm

2. Try to hire a secured transport for children to and fro from school

3. We need to work as a society to keep our eyes on kids, not just ours but others as well. This is probably the only way to keep the kids safe.

Preventing child abuse:-

1. Volunteer your time. Get involved with other parents in your society. Help vulnerable children and their families.

2. Discipline your children thoughtfully. Never discipline your child when you are upset. Give yourself time to calm down. Remember that discipline is a way to teach your child.

3. Use privileges to encourage good behavior and time-outs to help your child regain control.

4. Examine your behavior. Abuse is not just physical. Both words and actions can inflict deep, lasting wounds.

5. Be a nurturing parent. Use your actions to show children and other adults that conflicts can be settled without hitting or yelling.

6. Educate yourself and others. Simple support for children and parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse. After-school activities, parent education classes, mentoring programs, and respite care are some of the many ways to keep children safe from harm. Be a voice in support of these efforts in your society.

7. Teach children their rights. 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. Support prevention programs. Too often, intervention occurs only after abuse is reported.

8. Greater investments are needed in programs that have been proven to stop the abuse before it occurs -- such as family counseling and home visits by nurses who provide assistance for newborns and their parents.

9. Know what child abuse is. Physical and sexual abuse clearly constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents or other care givers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and care.

10. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.

11. Know the signs. Unexplained injuries aren't the only signs of abuse-depression. Fear of a certain adult, difficulty trusting others or making friends, sudden changes in eating or sleeping patterns, inappropriate sexual behavior, poor hygiene, secrecy, and hostility are often signs of family problems and may indicate a child is being neglected or physically, sexually, or emotionally abused.

12. Report abuse. If you witness a child being harmed or see evidence of abuse, or if a child tells you about abuse, make a report to your state's child protective services department or local police.

13. When talking to a child about abuse, listen carefully, assure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling an adult, and affirm that he or she is not responsible for what happened.

14. Encourage leaders in the society to be supportive of children and families. Ask employers to provide family-friendly work environments. Ask your local and national lawmakers to support legislation to better protect our children and to improve their lives.

Remember:- There's nothing more than kids need rather than "family support".