Plea to halt cycle of abuse against our young people
COMMUNITIES are being called on to stop the cycle of abuse affecting children in Glasgow.
The Scottish Violence Reduction Unit (SVRU) has issued a list of suggestions to help families navigate the festive season without harming children.
Bosses say youngsters across the country are being affected by issues from parents abusing alcohol and drugs to domestic violence and neglect.
SVRU director Will Linden said: “If we want to drastically reduce violence, cut our prison population and improve the health of our nation then we must ensure our children are raised in a safe and healthy environment.
“Children are incredibly resilient – even if they’ve suffered a number of horrible events in their lives like abuse or neglect, they can be protected if they receive the right support.
“We all have a duty to protect Scotland’s children.
“If you suspect a child is at risk then don’t ignore it, don’t be a bystander to abuse, neglect or trauma.
“The greatest gift any child can have is a safe and happy home.”
Experts use the term Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs, to describe things that can cause childhood trauma and in turn lead to long-term emotional, psychological and physical effects.
It’s estimated up to half of the Scottish population will have experienced at least one ACE.
According to one study those who have suffered four or more ACEs are twice as likely to binge drink, seven times more likely to have been involved in violence in the last year and 11 times more likely to have used heroin or been in prison.
The SVRU advises parents to watch what they drink at Christmas as alcohol can fuel fights and lower mood.
It also says: “Make sure child safety settings are turned on for any internet enabled devices you give your child this Christmas and educate yourself about how to protect children from online threats.
“The NSPCC recommends you have simple conversations with children about sexual abuse from the age of five.
“Why not take the chance to have that conversation while everyone’s off over the festive period and you have the time?
“Take care of yourself. Children need happy, healthy carers.”
This Christmas the SVRU have released a guide highlighting some of the day-to-day traumas faced by many children, with signposts to a range of third sector and public sector support organisations available to help.
Steven, a SVRU mentor who scores nine out of 10 on the ACEs scale, said: “What children really need is healthy relationships with safe, nurturing adults.
“However, at Christmas we seem to forget this under the massive weight of expectation we impose on ourselves in the pursuit of stuff.
“We couldn’t survive as a species if it wasn’t for our resilience, but to build resilience children need emotionally available nonstressed caregiving.
“All I really wanted for Christmas when I was seven was to be needed, wanted, and loved. That cost nothing.”
To see the guide go to @vruscotland on Facebook and Twitter or see www.actiononviolence. org.uk