ROLE OF PARENTS AND TEACHER IN PREVENTING CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Dr. Yusuf Matcheswalla
Child abuse is the physical, sexual or emotional maltreatment or neglect of a child. Whereas child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. Various ways of child sexual abuse include penetrative sexual assault, inappropriate touching of the vagina, penis, anus or breast of the child, any other act with sexual intent which involves physical contact without penetration. There are certain non-contact ways of child sexual abuse which includes exposing a child to sexually explicit material, luring a child online for sexual purposes, child pornography etc. Also
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Children often avoid telling because they are either afraid of a negative reaction from their parents or of being harmed by the abuser & they may delay disclosure until adulthood. Children do not always realize that what they have experienced constitutes abuse. Disclosures often unfold gradually and may be presented in a series of hints. Children might imply something has happened to them without directly stating they were sexually abused. Parents and teachers should suspect child abuse when they notice that child has sudden onset withdrawn behavior or depressive symptoms. Also when child is avoiding particular persons or child cringes from being touched. Mood swings & irritable behavior in previously calm child or deterioration in school performance also suggests child abuse. Bedwetting by child who had completed toilet training is another sign of abuse.
Protective measures to be taken by parents are-
Teach your child about personal safety.
Be involved in your child’s life. Attend her/his activities and pay attention to the interactions between the adults and the children.
Screen and check child protection policies at organizations and activities that your child attends.
Communicate with your child and create opportunities for her/him to share her/his feelings.
Use the correct terms for body parts when talking with your child.
Model appropriate boundaries between adults and