Uniting Against Child Abuse

Communities standing together could mean a better, fair chance at life for an abused child.... 

• further abuse can be prevented
• children can recover from being harmed
• most people who have harmed a child can be helped to become better parents.

When a child is being abused, the abuse does not go away and usually becomes more serious.

• let the child know that they can come and talk to you, and listen to them when they do
• get expert advice by contacting local child safety services

Caring for children can feel overwhelming, especially if the parent:

• doesn’t get enough support from family, friends or the community
• feels stressed because of money problems or job problems
• expects too much from a child and doesn’t know what a child should be able to do at a certain age
• has problems with drugs or/and alcohol
• doubts their ability to be a good parent and doesn’t seek help and support
• was abused as a child

Parents are responsible for the care of their children and need to recognise when they need help before harm occurs. Given the right skills and resources, most people who have harmed a child can learn to parent in a positive way.

Some community attitudes makes it easier for abuse to take place.

These sometimes include, but not limited to:

• 1. accepting violence in the community
• 2. believing parents have the right to treat their children as they see fit
• 3. not seeing men and women as equals
• 4. not understanding the effects of child abuse or any kind of abuse.

We should know that it is important for us as adults to protect our children, men & women.

If we own up to our mistakes, we can make a huge difference in our own lives & be examples to others....