Child sexual abuse is a hidden epidemic gradually
eating deep into our society. It is one of the phenomenons that has increased
and receiving lower attention, given the psychological trauma the abuse causes
on its victim.
Research has shown that over 90 per
cent of abuser is people the victim are familiar with. They are also people the
parents entrust their children but secretly abuse them. Children look up to
these categories of people for protection in one form or the other and love them
dearly. They include their relatives, lesson teachers, domestic staff, family
friends etc.
The World Health Organization says
one out of every three girls and one out of every six boys would have
experienced one form of sexual abuse before attaining the age of 18, perhaps,
that was why, in 1999, WHO declared child sexual abuse a public abuse, a public
health epidemic; while in 2004, the world body declared it as a major factor fueling HIV/AIDS and therefore declared it a silent epidemic.
As bad as the issue is, African
countries like Nigeria have never taken the issue serious as the Western countries,
which do not spare this offenders but are punished severely. Some people
especially non- governmental organizations that are already raising awareness
about the evil of child sex abuse.
Sexual abusers could be male or
female of any age, different socio-economic groups, ethnic classes, educated or
illiterate, employed or unemployed, rich or poor.
Often, there are no clear external
signs to show that a child has been sexually abused, but some signs can only be
detected after physical examination by a physician. Some of the signs are as
follows; difficulty in walking or sitting, feeling pain while urinating or
having bowel movement, vaginal tears, medical problems such as chronic itching,
pains in the genitals, venereal diseases, aggressive behaviour toward family
members, teachers, friends etc; always being isolated and withdrawn depression,
loss of appetite, showing unusual fear of a certain place or persons, etc. The
list is endless.
Worse still, parents tend to
disbelieve when their children tell them of an abuse done on them. This usually
leaves devastating effects on them. Consequently, the victims may feel
embarrassed, isolated, guilty, ashamed and powerless.
Prevention is better than cure, so
says the adage. People do not have to wait until the deed is done before
looking for preventive measures.
Every child is at risk of being
sexually abused and everything must be done to prevent it
Experts have advised that parents
should start teaching their children sex education from the age of three (3)
years. However, many parents do not even know what to say to their children.
Parents should read various books and other materials that will give them more
information on sex education.
Again, parents must teach their
children that their bodies belong to them and they have the right to decide
what they do with them. They should also know the values of their bodies by
teaching them to respect other people’s bodies.
Also, parents should not force their
children to do things like hug or kiss any relative if the child doesn’t want
to. Allow them to reject such gestures politely.
Finally, when a child has been
sexual abused, parents should try and believe him/her and giving him/her words
of encouragement because it helps reduce the shame, embarrassment which the
child has been through.
Child Sex Abuse is an evil that must be stopped by all
courses!
Children are our future and their must guided
generously!
Parents watch out for your children in neighbourhood!
It doesn’t show on the face!