Child sexual abuse demands our collective attention and action
As we conclude our 16 Days of Activism campaign (observed from November 25 - December 10, 2023), let’s redirect our attention to an issue that severely impacts children, impeding their growth and development. Child sexual abuse is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a significant global issue due to its severe infringement upon children’s rights and its designation as a critical global public health issue. According to data from UNICEF and WHO, millions of children worldwide are subjected to various forms of sexual abuse each year, leading to emotional and psychological trauma, as well as commonly resulting in sustained physical injuries. Additionally, some children suffer from sexually transmitted diseases or infections, intensifying the already profound emotional and psychological impact, creating lifelong scars.
It is a deeply distressing and pervasive problem that demands our collective attention and action. In the fight against child sexual abuse, ChildLinK’s research report captioned Caring for Boys emphasizes two positive social norms that can make a significant difference: 1. increased communication and 2. parental supervision. Communication lies at the heart of any healthy family dynamic, and it plays an instrumental role in protecting children from abuse. Good communication with children involves having age-appropriate conversations about their bodies, appropriate touch, sexual abuse, sexual and reproductive health and rights, consent, and awareness about pornographic materials. Awareness on pornographic content is important because children are better able to recognize explicit content, which helps them to safely navigate online spaces, develop healthy boundaries, and seek support if needed.
Yet, it’s important to recognize that effective communication goes beyond educating children about child sexual abuse. It also encompasses expression of affection, demonstrating love, and making the child feel valued through both words and actions. This aspect of communication can act as a barrier, deterring potential ‘groomers’ in certain situations. By fostering open and honest conversations, parents and caregivers create an environment in which their children feel safe and empowered to speak up if something makes them uncomfortable. Discussions about personal safety and ensuring that children are wellinformed and are able to recognize potential dangers are essential to safeguarding children. The Caring for Boys research found that this type of information is not provided to boys but mainly to girls. This is the reason one of
the boys was deceived into thinking that he had to play a game before he could be included in the sports – in the game he was sexually abused.
Many parents and caregivers continue to struggle with discussing matters of sexual content with their children and altogether avoid the conversation. However, parents who listen and encourage their children to express discomfort or unease without fear of judgment or reprisal are more likely to be alerted if their children are at risk. This information can be taught in small groups to encourage discussions and help shy children/young people to have their questions asked within group settings. An open channel of communication can serve as an early warning system, alerting parents and caregivers to any potential threats before they escalate. Parents who have difficulty with these conversations should seek out support from other parents, the faith-based and community leaders or even school teachers. Parents and caregivers also have access to non-governmental organizations for support and assistance. For instance, organizations like ChildLinK and their affiliated partners provide parental training and counseling services that aid in developing better parent-child relationships.
Parental Supervision is a crucial component in protecting children from abuse and exploitation. The research on Caring for Boys stressed on the importance of active and vigilant supervision, particularly in settings where children interact with adults outside their immediate family. Parents and caregivers must remain engaged and attentive to their children’s activities, not only in their physical environment but also in the digital realms. This entails knowing who their children are spending time with, online and offline, and monitoring their interactions to ensure their safety. Parents voiced worries about alcohol and drug usage, emphasizing how these factors contributed to a lack of control and heightened risk for children. One parent pointed out that under the influence of substances, adults were eyeing children inappropriately, highlighting the need for stringent supervision. Parents also expressed the necessity of close observation even when children were with trusted family members because persons who sexually abuse children are mainly family members and friends of the family. Perpetrators generally have easy access to children because they either live in the same household or visit regularly which makes it easier for the abuser and more difficult for the child to avoid the abuse happening over and over, especially when the abuser threatens the child.
Safeguarding children from child sexual abuse is not solely the responsibility of parents; it is a collective duty shared by communities, schools, and society as a whole. Together, we must empower our children with knowledge, trust, and create a safe environment where their voices are heard and their innocence preserved.