16 Days of Activism: Signs your child is being abused
Ndawo Yakho, a shelter for abused women and children in Gauteng, shares signs to look out for if your child is a victim of sexual abuse.
The world is currently observing 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. It is a call to end the violence against women and children.
Millions of women and children suffer abuse at the hands of men who ought to love and care for them.
Children suffer physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Some also suffer neglect - a form of abuse where adults who are responsible for caring for the children fail to meet their basic needs.
Abuse has significant and lasting effects on the victims.
For children, it will have everlasting impacts that carry on even into adulthood. Some might grow up with trust issues, others might suffer from all sorts of mental health disorders.
It also affects their self-esteem and can result in self-harm or suicidal attempts.
Children who have been abused might also develop learning disorders or have delays in their development.
Some turn to alcohol abuse, while others might end up becoming abusers themselves. There is also the aftermath of living with guilt and self-blame.
Therefore, it is important that any child who is abused finds help from professionals who can best help them deal with the aftermath of the traumatic experience.
In South Africa, there has been an increase in violence against children.
The latest report from Statistics SA shows the following:
- Rape cases for children increased by 6,3 percentage points between 2015/16 and 2019/20
- Both common assault and assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) decreased by 2,1 and 3,5 percentage points respectively.
- Sexual assault cases for children increased by 1,4 percentage points
READ: 16 Days of Activism: Debunking myths about GBV
Ndawo Yakho's centre manager and spokesperson, Zandi Tshabalala, shares signs that parents or guardians can look for to determine whether their child might be a victim of GBV.
READ: ANCWL to march to Union Buildings over GBV
- A child might be abused if they have bruises, burns, or welts that can't be explained. The clustered burns, welts, and bruises may indicate some form of repetitive contact with an instrument or hand.
- Tears in gum tissues, lips, and eyes as these indicate injuries on the face or even force-feeding.
- Blood in the underwear.
- Complaints of pain in the genitalia area or thighs, back, neck, and buttocks without proper explanation of the cause of the pain.
- Trouble walking and sitting.
- Poor hygiene.
- Poor growth in height and weight.
"The above are not the only signs of child abuse. Whereby there’s extreme concern about the status of some children, do not be afraid to consult a lawyer, a police officer, or even a psychiatrist about the signs of child abuse you are aware of or might be suspecting," says Zandi.
Where to report?
Victims of GBV can reach out to social development:
CALL NOW 0800 428 428.
(PLEASE CALL ME) *120* 7867#
Skype address – HelpmeGbv
SMS ‘help’ to 31531
Ndawo Yakho
Victims can also be accommodated at Ndawo Yakho, a registered shelter for abused women and their children, which offers a temporary place to stay for up to six months. The victims are provided with food, a roof over their heads, warm clothing, and psychosocial support.
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +27 64 524 0405.
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Image courtesy of iStock/ @gan chaonan