EVEN though daily newspapers are not replete with child abuse stories, it doesn’t mean that child abuse is not happening. Child abuse is real, especially for the children on the receiving end, who have nowhere to turn, and no one to advocate on their behalf. You may see children playing, laughing and getting on with their lives, but it doesn’t mean they are fine, and all is well. Most children are resilient – they make the best of the worst situations that confront them. Youngsters laugh and play because they are children.

They romp around with their peers, do their chores, attend school and appear ‘normal’, but many learn to hide the secret of abuse (usually sexual) because of coercion, or through fear that they will be blamed. Some children do not know or realise that the maltreatment they suffer at the hands of adults is abuse, especially when the abuse is physical, neglectful, emotional or psychological.

Physical abuse: Any abuse that involves beating, burning, throwing, biting or physically harming a child is physical abuse. From a slap in the face to the severe approach of using belts, wire or other implements to cause pain, scarring, branding or choking to a child. Some children have bruises, swellings and scars caused by beatings, and in most cases, the adult has crossed the line and has gone too far with their punishment.

“I gan cut yuh tail; I gan give you one box; when I hold you, I gan beat you for everything. We have all heard one of either parent threaten us as children when we needed pulling up about our attitude or behaviour. But why do adults threaten children with violence or beat them when there are so many alternative methods for parenting? Not only is the non-physical approach to parenting more beneficial for the child’s emotional development and sense of well-being. It also teaches the child that physical violence is not the way to settle problems.

Many adults — some in their 70s — could attest that their parents raised them without ‘licks’, even though corporal punishment is somewhat ingrained in West Indian culture. Children need love from their parents, not beatings. It is confusing for children when one moment, they get hugs and kisses from an adult, and the next, the same adult beats them mercilessly.

Parents with mental health issues may beat children due to frustration, and children may blame themselves, believing they are bad. Children living in harsh circumstances need trustworthy adults to speak up for them. Adults can change their lives and help them receive appropriate and significant childhoods that benefit them in adulthood, rather than childhoods marred with unpleasant memories.

If you know children who are ill-treated, malnourished or neglected, do not hesitate to refer them to the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA). The CPA Hotline (227 0979 or the toll free number 914) is available 24 hours per day.

Child Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is anything of a sexual nature said or done to a child by an older person (sibling, cousin, friend, teacher etc.) or adult. Sharing pornography or sexually explicit pictures with a child is also sexual abuse, as is inappropriate touching or rubbing of the body or private parts, with or without clothes. Any sexual penetration between an adult and a child is statutory rape. Enticing or forcing a child to perform sexual acts, even with another child, is sexual abuse.

Only people at the lowest of the low in society sexually abuse children. There are parents (mothers and fathers) who condone this heinous crime; they do nothing in their power to protect children. Others turn a blind eye to the sexual abuse of children because they don’t want to make a fuss, or because of their lack of decency, morals and standards.

Children are not interested in sex, adults groom them, exploiting their immaturity. They perpetrate their crimes on children — weaving them into a web, for which children are mentally and emotionally immature. Child sexual abuse is a serious crime that is punishable by law. Would-be offenders should be aware of the dire consequences of their actions; it is a shameful despicable act that ruins the lives of children. Many perpetrators are currently behind bars, serving time for child sexual abuse.

The majority of people will live an entire lifetime without issues of child abuse reaching their doorsteps or affecting their families or relatives. The affliction that abused children endure does not disturb them, nor will they make it their mission to research what they can do to remediate the problem.

When we consider the number of adult disorders that stem from child-abuse trauma, how could an average person not care or want to help somehow? Adults could suffer from low achievement, lack of confidence and low self-esteem, drug addiction, alcoholism, criminality, risky sexual behaviour, anxiety, mental health problems and dysfunctional relationships.

All children deserve a fair chance of a good childhood, so if you know or suspect child neglect, malnourishment, ill-treatment, or you know a child in need of help, do not ignore their plight. Call the Childcare and Protection Agency and speak to a Child Protection Officer. You can remain anonymous if you choose. Through the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Guyana, by law, must help every child to reach their fullest potential.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a child, call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or write to us at childcaregy@gmail.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY,
MINISTRY OF HUMAN SERVICES AND SOCIAL SECURITY