DAY 08 OF THE 30 DAYS CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
In commemoration of the World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse – November 19
Brought to you by the Centre for Total Child Development (CTCD)

RESPONDING TO CHILD ABUSE

Responding to situations of child abuse, involves at least two components:
• Ensuring that the child’s immediate needs are being met and that they are safe from further harm in a comforting environment
• Ensuring that the matter is not sidelined but reported in the appropriate manner in the best interest of the child.

The immediate physical and emotional consequences of abuse require a quick and appropriate response. Each incident of abuse should be examined and assessed so that necessary medical and psychosocial support can be provided. The survivor’s immediate or long-term vulnerability must be taken into consideration, and the survivor’s own decisions must be respected during the whole process. A response which does not respect confidentiality and which lacks sensitivity and understanding can result in the child feeling further victimized.

When children have been sexually abused, for example, it will sometimes be necessary for counselling to be undertaken with the family in order to ensure that the child is believed, supported and provided with the means of returning to normal life. Family members may also need help - for example, when parents feel guilty that they have failed to protect their child. Families may need particular support in situations where the perceived loss of their honour might lead to rejection of the child.

With the agreement of the survivor, governmental agencies such as the police, judiciary and welfare services will need to be involved. All actions need to take account of criminal and child protection legislation within the country, and be dealt with in conjunction with national and local authorities. It is essential that in this process the survivor’s confidentiality be respected, including the right to decide whether to seek legal redress. All actions taken should be consistent with the principle of the child’s best interests, and in order to determine this the child’s own expressions of his/her wishes and feelings will be vital.

According to the Child’s Right Act, it is everyone’s duty to report a case of abuse when they come across it. Failure to do so constitutes an act of negligence. The Child’s Right Act calls on everyone, including members of the community, to be involved in ensuring that everyone follows the Act. As such it imposes a duty on community members to report any situation where it is ‘reasonably believed’ that a child’s right is being abused.

Teachers, children workers, parents and community members must:
• take seriously any concerns raised
• take positive steps to ensure the protection of children who are the subject of any concerns
• supports children, staff or other adults who raise concerns or who are the subject of concerns
• act appropriately and effectively in instigating or co-operating with any subsequent process of investigation
• be guided through the child protection process by the principle of ‘best interests of the child’
• listen to and takes seriously the views and wishes of children
• work in partnership with parents/carers and/or other professionals to ensure the protection of children.

Challenges to reporting

It is often difficult for an abused child or witness to disclose that abuse is taking place, especially to someone in authority. It is especially difficult if the report could result in the removal of the child or abuser from the home or the child being expelled from school if reporting on teachers’ abuse. Reporting may also result in anger and blame toward the child in the family and the community. In many cases a child will say nothing, as disclosure may be perceived as having even worse consequences. On the other hand, children may know that nothing will happen if they contact the social and legal system. It is not uncommon that the survivors of sexual abuse are themselves treated as the criminals.

How to talk to a child who’s reporting an abuse

If a child tells you or wants to talk to you about an abuse:

• Stay calm and be reassuring
• Find a quiet place to talk
• Believe in what you are being told
• Listen, but do no press the child for information
• Say that you are glad that the child told you
• Say that you will do your best to protect and support the child
• If necessary, seek medical help and contact the police as soon as possible
• If your child has told another adult, such as another teacher, contact them. Their advice may make it easier to help your child
• Determine if this incident may affect how your child reacts at school. It may be advisable to liaise with you child’s teacher or head teacher depending on the issue
• Acknowledge that your child may have angry, sad or even guilty feelings about what happened, but stress that the abuse was not the child’s fault. Acknowledge that you will probably need help dealing with your own feelings
• Seek counselling for yourself and your child where possible

Do the following:

• Believe the child.
• Create a rapport with the child.
• Show a measure of trust.
• Show a measure of accessibility and reliability.
• Assure the child of confidentiality which is reasonable.
• Be realistic and explain circumstances as they are likely to happen.
• Ensure privacy is obtained to enable the child to talk in confidence.
• Be patient: let the child go on at her/his own pace. Changing behaviour is difficult and calls for a lot of patience. You should listen carefully, patiently and with understanding.
• Accept the child the way she is.
• Relaxed atmosphere: The room should also be comfortable where possible and the atmosphere relaxing.
• Commitment: You must show a high degree of commitment.

Don’t do the following:

• Do not ask accusing questions.
• Do not be overly formal.
• Do not be judgmental.
• Do not miss appointments keep promises.
• Do not read, talk on the phone etc when the child is talking to you.
• Do not give information about the child unless professionally required.
• Do not assure the child about matters you have no control over.
• Do not interview in open space where there is likely to be interruptions and eavesdroppers.
• Do not pressure the child to speak.
• Do not rush the client.
• Do not go to a place where the child feels the need to leave as soon as possible.
• When you agree to offers to assist, you have to be committed. If you are not able to be committed then it is not useful for you to offer any assistance.

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If you know any child that is going through any form of child abuse please help the child to get help by reporting the abuse to the appropriate authority. CHILD ABUSE is all forms of physical and/or emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, neglect, commercial or other exploitation of a child resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity.

In all actions concerning the child, his or her best interest and well-being must be given paramount consideration.

The use of a child for the purpose of begging for alms, prostitution, domestic or sexual labour, as a slave or practices similar to slavery, forced or compulsory labour or for any purpose that deprives the child of the opportunity to attend and remain in school is a crime and it attracts imprisonment for a term of 10 years.

Employing any person under 18 years as domestic help outside his home or family environment is a crime that attracts 5 years imprisonment.

Anybody who has sexual intercourse with a child less than 18 years will be convicted to imprisonment for life.

Exposing or involving a child in the use of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances is an offence liable to life imprisonment.

Every form of child abuse is a serious offence that is punishable by the law. Every child has the right to be free from every form of abuse.

Report any cases of child abuse to the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), your state Ministry of Women and Children Affairs or any NGO (Non-governmental Organisation) that advocates for the rights of children. If you notice any form of child abuse and you do not report, you are as guilty as the person committing the crime. Let’s join our hands to make the world a better place for children to live and grow.

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The Centre for Total Child Development, Ibadan cordially invites you to her 2021 ANNUAL CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION CONFERENCE and the Child Development in Nigeria Merit Award

THEME: Protecting Children, Promoting Healthy Families and Preserving Communities

FEATURES: Plenary Sessions | Workshops | Skill Seminars | Walk Against Child Abuse | Inter-School Child Abuse Awareness Competition | Award Presentations & Prize Giving

DATE: 19th November, 2021

VENUE: Oyesina Hall, Oke Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

TIME: 9.00am prompt

PARTICIPANT: Students in secondary schools, voluntary organisations, religious institutions and orphanage homes, teachers, parents, children workers, and other stakeholders

ATTENDANCE: Attendance is FREE but registration is a MUST. To register please call/sms/whatsapp: 08180495451 or send email to emailtotalchild@gmail.com

SPONSORS & VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME

If you are interested in what we do, you can get involved in 3 ways:
1. Volunteer Partner: Join our vibrant team of volunteers to administer support to the children and young people coming for the Conference.
2. Resource Partner: Donate academic materials, products and other gift items to be given freely to the children and young people coming for the conference. You can also donate materials, equipment and facilities to support our cause.
3. Financial Partner: Donate fund to help us execute this Conference
For more information please contact:

CENTRE FOR TOTAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT
18, Anfani Road, Off Ring Road, Challenge, Ibadan
www.facebook.com/totalchilddev
www.instagram.com/totalchildev
Tel: 08180495451; 08101809463