Battling against child abuse

Child Protection Week in Guyana came to a close recently. During the Week, planned events, awareness programmes, exhibitions, lectures and fun activities were held across the country to sensitise the populace and to raise awareness about the causes and effects of child abuse, as well as preventative measures.

A call was made for the public to assist in reducing child abuse and child sexual abuse which, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) said, are on the increase. Director of the Agency, Ann Greene reported that from January to July 2016, there were 2238 reports of child abuse and 441 cases of sexual abuse in Guyana. These numbers are alarming and confirm that we have a serious problem.

The head of the CCPA acknowledges that these figures are “really too much” and child abuse, in all of its forms, should be eradicated. What is even more worrisome is that these figures only represent the reported cases.

None of us need to be reminded that child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. The goal, both globally and nationally, in preventing child abuse and neglect is clear – to stop it from happening in the first place.

The provision of safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families can prevent abuse and help all children reach their full potential.

Towards this goal, local advocates are urging parents, caregivers and society at large to look for the signs and to be the voices of the voiceless.

Undoubtedly, these are complex problems rooted in unhealthy relationships and environments. Preventing child abuse and neglect requires a comprehensive approach that influences all levels of social ecology (including societal culture), community involvement, relationships among families and neighbours, and individual behaviours.

These strategies to stamp out child abuse range from a focus on individuals, families, and relationships, to broader community and societal change. This range of strategies is needed to better address the interplay between individual-family behaviour and broader neighbourhood, community, and cultural contexts.

Not only do children suffer acutely from the physical and mental cruelty of child abuse, research has found that they endure many long-term consequences, including delays in reaching developmental milestones, refusal to attend school and separation anxiety disorders. Other consequences include an increased likelihood of future substance abuse, aggressive behaviours, high-risk health behaviours, criminal activity, somatisation, depressive and affective disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic attacks, schizophrenia and abuse of their own children and spouses. The vicious cycle seems never-ending.

The Social Protection Ministry, CCPA and other advocates are all on the right track. Every effort to rid society of this scourge is commendable and a positive one. Having acknowledged this, it is vital to also face the reality that the current efforts are not enough. Every week should be designated to fighting the battle against child abuse, in all forms. If this is not already a national emergency, then it should be considered as such. What is currently being done is merely a drop in the bucket.

During the week-long activities, much has been revealed about this issue, including important statistics, suggested preventative measures and the challenges facing the advocates. One of the major challenges, according to the head of the CCPA, is the law itself and the hurdles in the way of attaining justice for the abused and neglected.

Clearly, the authorities, advocates and policymakers need to re-examine the approach to the issues. Effective prevention strategies should focus on modifying policies, practices, and societal norms to create safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Again, it would be beneficial to examine what has been done elsewhere.

What remains important, in the wake of all efforts, is that action is being taken, education continues and that there is commitment to eradicating child abuse countrywide.