A CRY FOR HELP

Feb 18, 2017 Editorial, Features / Columnists

In Guyana, children are quietly crying out for help against various forms of abuse, all of which seem to be on the increase. The nation can no longer sit idly by and allow this to continue. The year is barely a month and a half old, and there are more than a dozen reported cases of child abuse. Children are in serious danger.
Physical and sexual abuse of children is occurring daily, with no solutions in sight. Child abuse has unfortunately become a common practice, especially in the rural areas. Children are suffering, but their cries have fallen on deaf ears. Sexual abuse is destroying our little ones and protecting them from predators should be a top priority, but it has not been. Administrations both past and present have done little to break the vicious cycle of child sexual abuse. It is not an easy task. A summit should be held among all pertinent stakeholders to find answers.
Historically, the most common child abuse was flogging and slapping. Now it has shifted to sexual abuse, which is depriving children of a normal life. Such abuse affects a child, his/her family and in the long term, undermines a nation. Studies have shown that it can be detected by changes in a child’s energy, motivation, conduct, schoolwork and eating habits. It is a long lasting trauma on children.
While no universal definition of child abuse exists – as the concept varies from country to country – it is generally understood and universally accepted that the human rights of a child should not be violated. Every child has a right to an education to realize his/her potential and share in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Child abuse is an act that endangers or impairs psychological physical health and development. It may be committed by individuals, individually or collectively, who by their age, status, knowledge etc. are in positions of power that render children vulnerable.
Physical abuse of children consists of any non-accidental form of injury or harm inflicted on them by a person, which includes beating, burning or wounding.
Physical abuse is believed to be common in Guyana, where corporal punishment such as flogging and slapping etc. are in some cases still considered the norm. Corporal punishment that injures a child to the point where medical attention is required is unacceptable. It is not normal corrective discipline. It is sometimes difficult for even doctors to determine whether a child is the victim of an accident or whether the injury has been caused by physical abuse.
Little girls appear to bear the brunt of sexual abuse. But the boys should not be forgotten. Several reports have indicated that a vast majority of the cases of child sex abuse are not reported; however, based on those that are, it is estimated that between 25 and 35 percent of girls have been sexually abused. It is a heinous act and many have resulted from incest by a blood relative. It may be the most common type of sexual abuse of children on account of the opportunities presented because of the predator being a relative.
Another type of child abuse that is very prevalent in Guyana but generally goes unrecognized is child neglect or the failure to provide. It is the failure on the part of parents or caregivers to provide the basic needs such as food, nourishment, clothing and shelter to a child. It also includes a lack of adequate parental supervision to prevent injury, abandonment, failure to provide medical attention when required.
Our children are crying for help. The responsible and capable among us must heed those cries.

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