What is Child Abuse?
“Any pain or violence committed against a Child with potential to destroy the future of the Child.” Child Abuse Versus Culture: Any culture, traditional practice or custom, which has the capacity to interfere with the bright future of the Child is an abuse. Children need integrated and holistic growth that will generate happiness, joy and fulfillment in the future! They need to experience sweet and not sour memories of childhood.
SPIRITANS CHILD PROTECTION MINISTRY
The Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans) has quickly responded to Pope Francis’ urgent call to fight Child Abuse in every corner of the World. The Pontiff has declared “Zero Tolerance” against Child abuse within the Church structures. According to the United Nations’ report, Children under the age of 18 have continued to suffer all forms of abuses contrary to the human rights of Children enshrined in the United Nations Convention (1989). In 2020, the Spiritans in Zambia set up “Child Protection Office” and embarked on series of education Workshops and Seminars to the Priests, Religious, Parishioners, Teachers and Learners and other groups.
- What is Child Protection?
Child Protection is the “mechanism or strategies of safeguarding Children’s interests by preventing and responding to violence, exploitation and abuses against children.” They are called “Children” because they have not yet developed their intellectual, emotional, moral and physical capacities. Thus, they need help from responsible Adults.
- Where does Child Abuse happen?
Child Abuse happens in any place where Children are present, namely, homes, schools, orphanages, churches… Child Abuse is thus a shared responsibility involving many stakeholders, teachers, parents, police, chiefs, priests, lawyers, judges, nurses…Is the fight against
- Is the Fight Against Child Protection Easy?
Child Abuse is an ongoing reality. It is most likely to end when the World ends! The ultimate goal of Child Protection is to arouse awareness in Society in order to reduce cases of Child abuse. The fight is an enormous task, which requires consolidated efforts by many stakeholders. The fight against evil (darkness), which covers the human mind and soul cannot be easy!
- Different Forms of Child Abuse:
Sexual, Psychological, Emotional, Physical and Child Neglect (parental failure to meet the needs of the child). It is very important to understand these forms of abuses.
- Consequences of Child Abuse:
Each level of abuse has its consequences upon a Child. In general, an abused Child will experience Low self-esteem, destroyed future, addictions, hallucinations, chronic disorder, withdrawal behavior, suicidal attractions, anger, fear, mistrust, hatred, disorder, loss of memory
- Why should an Adult (sexually) Abuse a Child?
Child Sexual Abuse is defined as “The involvement of a Child in sexual activity that he/she does
not fully understand, is unable to give informed Consent or for which the Child is notDevelopmentally prepared.”
- What are the indicators of the Child Sexual Molester?
In terms of sexual abuse, it not easy to tell exactly who can sexually abuse a Child. However, the following are the Indicators (red flags) of Abusers; they look innocent and trustworthy, questionable love (interest) in children, inappropriate behavior and talks with kids, private time with kids, sexual confusion (sexual immaturity), minimal peer relationships, lack of sexual interest in Women or Men and discomfort in their presence, strange beliefs, psycho-hetero-immaturity (behave like a kid), pedophile tendency (sexual interest in pre-pubescent children due to psycho-pathological disorder and strong passion for child pornography on the internet.
Stop the culture of Silence and Report
any Child Abuse to the Police!
Your Decision will save or Kill the Child!
Equip children with knowledge and skills to fight Child Abuse on their own…!