Child abuse is a serious problem and our society is plagued by it. Child abuse is not only physical, but can be emotional. And even when the person responsible for the child’s care ignores or mistreats the child.

Child abuse is not the only sign of maltreatment. Consult Dr. R.K.Suri, the best clinical psychologist in Dwarka, South-West Delhi, if you need counselling on Child abuse.

The latest figures from the National Crime Records Bureau reveal a shocking 25% of child rapes in 2015 were committed by their employers or co-workers.

Interestingly, in 488 cases, the victim was raped by grandfathers, brothers, fathers and even sons.

Tamil Nadu reported the highest number of cases of child abuse in the workplace with 55% and 49% respectively.

The number of registered cases of child abuse under the POSCO Act increased from 8,904 in 2014 to 14,913 in 2015. Kidnappings account for 81% of crimes against minors.

These numbers show that child abuse is a serious problem in our society. These were the cases that were reported recently. But many don’t even notice or their parents don’t report them to protect their image in society.

This happens at every socioeconomic level and across countries, regardless of educational level.

Child neglect, maltreatment, and abuse can leave a child with cognitive delays, emotional difficulties. Poor immune system development, and serious health and emotional problems.

It is important to recognize, help prevent, and report suspected child abuse and neglect because the lasting effects can affect us all.

Diagnosing abuse or neglect can be a challenging task. A careful evaluation of the situation should be carried out.

Which also includes physical and psychological tests. If it is serious, state authorities can also be involved in the investigation of suspects.

A proper physical examination should be performed when evaluating the injury. A detailed anamnesis of the child, his mental and developmental history is taken from various sources.

The child’s behavior is monitored. The interaction between the child and their caregiver or parents is also analyzed.

Treatment includes medical care, psychotherapy, and providing the right information to the child. Parents so that the abuse does not continue and the long-term physical and psychological consequences can be properly addressed.

Health care:

If the child has any signs of injury or changes in consciousness, immediate medical attention is required. Follow-up with a doctor and other healthcare professional is recommended.

Psychotherapy:

Child abuse can be very traumatic for the abused and can have various psychological and emotional effects on the child. Talking to a mental health professional can help a child rebuild their trust, as it is generally seen after abuse that a child can face trust issues.

Also, how he can develop normal relationships again, which is very important for his future. Most importantly, it will help the child build self-esteem, self-confidence and teach him how to handle conflict.

There are different types of therapy that can be part of a treatment plan. Some of them may be:

1. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy: this particular therapy is very beneficial for the child because it helps him manage his conflicts and stressful feelings. It also helps them deal with their bad memories related to the trauma. It also helps the child develop a trusting relationship with the non-abusive parent and with elders in general.
2. Interpersonal therapy system: this child parent psychotherapy helps the child by improving the parent-child relationship. The goal of therapy is to build a strong bond between them, trust, better communication patterns.
3. EMDR: This particular therapy is very helpful in the treatment of PTSD. It helps the child deal with painful memories of abuse.

Psychotherapy can also help parents:

• Discover the roots of abuse
• Learn effective ways to cope with life’s inevitable frustrations
• Learn healthy parenting strategies

How can we support a child to cope with child abuse?

If a child tells you they are being abused, take the situation seriously. The safety of the child is the most important in our life. Here’s what you can do as a responsible adult:

1. Remind the child that he is not responsible for what happened. Remind him of this again and again, because the child usually feels that he must have done something wrong and that is why he was abused.
2. Trust the child: this is the most important thing if we went to connect with the child, without trust a child won’t be able to tell the truth. Many a time it has been seen that when a child confines himself to his parents, the parents do not believe what the child is complaining about due to denial or fear of ruining their reputation in the society. Reassure the child that it is okay and safe to share with you what has happened. Instead of investigating, listen to what he says. Be a patient and calm listener and don’t ask direct or intimidating questions that could shut the child down completely.
3. Report abuse: never try to hide abuse, no matter who was close or distant. Let the police department of child protection agencies take the lead and investigate the whole situation and take action.
4. 4. Protect the child: separate the environment of the child and the abuser is one of the important thing as a parent or a guardian that needs to be done. If the child’s abuser is from the school, inform the superior authorities and the principal. If it is a parent or close family member, prevent that person from coming into contact with your child, or always be near your child in case they meet.

As a responsible Adult we should take initiative to tackle Child abuse and giving the child full justice that he/she deserved to be given.

It is not only a responsibility but also a moral duty to provide help and love to such children whether they are from our family or they are unknown.

As one said hiding a crime is a bigger sin then doing that crime. Feel free to consult Dr. R.K.Suri, the best clinical psychologist in Dwarka, South-West Delhi, to take counselling on child abuse.