Child abuse Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Child abuse - Assignment Example Children abused by family members who should be protecting them often lose trust for adults. Additionally, cultural values may restrict members from talking about sexual activities, making it more difficult for the child. The abused child may blame themselves for the abuse and as such may take long to talk to anyone about it. As a result, the abuse may go on for weeks, even months, before anyone knows about the atrocity. Abuse affects the child’s emotional, psychological, social and physical aspects of life which includes increased risk for depression, poor or lack of self esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Avoidance of grilling the child for every detail or asking many questions, as this may overwhelm them. Instead, they should gently ask open-ended questions; at the same time reassuring the child that their secret is safe. The child should be taken to a pediatric hospital for check up of possible damage to the sexual organs. Furthermore, an experienced mental health professional should be contacted to help the child cope with trauma Teaching the child basic sexual education is important. Alternatively, a health professional could be engaged where the child learns accurate names given to private parts and how to take care of them so as to minimize reliance on older children or adults for help. Sexual advances from anybody should be discouraged, as well as inappropriate touching. Encouraging them to can make decisions concerning their bodies, for instance saying â€Å"no† when they do not want to be touched is important. Communication is an important part of developing trust with the child. Encouraging the child to ask questions when in doubt about sexual advances makes the child feel protected and is more likely to report any abuse. Child sex abuse occurs within family settings with a majority of the abused children being unable to report the atrocity, probably due to the trust they had on the perpetrator. Child sex abuse