Jonas Mbabazi
29 December 2008
opinion
Kampala — THE crime of child abuse has taken an endless cycle. This year, children have been threatened more than ever before.
The media has been awash with headlines of child sacrifices and murders.
During this festive season, parents should be mindful of the ill-minded people who will take advantage of any situation to abuse any unaccompanied or unprotected child.
I have been particularly frustrated at the handling of child abuse cases.
Many children have been abused sexually but the scenarios have been mishandled, and many perpetrators have gone scot-free and still pose a big threat to the children.
If it is suspected that a child has been sexually abused, the caretaker or parent should not wash or bathe the victim but immediately report the case to the nearby Police station and record a detailed statement including who the suspected perpetrator is.
Thereafter it is important that the child is taken to a clinic for examination and care for injuries. In examining, the medical practitioner should take into consideration the physical, emotional needs of the child. Screening for STDs and pregnancy in case of a girl child, should be done with care.
Physical injuries are the best proof of force and in collecting evidence it is important that they are photographed, described and documented in the examination report. But this should be done with the consent of the victim.
Ultimately, the parents and medical practitioners should note that the findings from the examination shall help to confirm recent sexual contact, show that force or coercion was involved, identify the perpetrator and corroborate the victim's story.
During Christmas season, children are on holiday and parents should keep watch of them, always know where they are and do not trust anyone with a child given that relatives, family friends, neighbours or babysitters can also steal children.
To prevent being misunderstood, parents should try and understand their children because at times the "do not talk to strangers" restriction may not work.
In most cases parents have not openly talked about sexual issues with their children. Parents should teach children that no one should touch the "private" parts of their body.
Children need to know that sexual advances from adults are wrong and illegal. Their confidence should be built to assert themselves against any adult who attempts to abuse them.
Children should be taught that their bodies are not to be manipulated by anyone.
Children are trusting and dependent and will often do what is asked of them to gain approval and love. Parents should always use this as a tool to influence and protect them.
The writer is a social worker
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