Afya Kenya Foundation

Child Abuse

Posted on 08. Feb, 2010 by afyakenya in Blog

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

The phrases child abuse and neglect and child maltreatment are frequently used interchangeably. The Afya Kenya Foundation defines child maltreatment or child abuse and neglectas:

“Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation; or an act or failure to act which presents an imminent risk of serious harm.”

Sexual abuse is defined as “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children.”

What are the major types of child maltreatment?

There are four major types of maltreatment: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. Children reported for one type of maltreatment may experience multiple types of abuse.

Neglect is defined as failure to provide for a child’s basic needs. Neglect includes: Physical, Medical, Educational and Emotional abuse.

Physical abuse is physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a result of punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting (with a hand, stick, strap, or other object), burning, or otherwise harming a child. Such injury is considered abuse regardless of whether the caretaker intended to hurt the child.

Sexual abuse includes activities by a parent or caretaker such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.

Sexual abuse is defined by the Afya Kenya Foundation as “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children.”

Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism, threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance. Emotional abuse is often difficult to prove and, therefore, Child Protective Services (CPS) may not be able to intervene without evidence of harm to the child. Emotional abuse is almost always present when other forms are identified.

How many children die each year?

Child Fatalities: The death of a child is the most tragic consequence as a result of child abuse. In 2007, an estimated 1,760 children died as a result of child abuse and neglect, a rate of 2.35 per 100,000 U.S. children and Puerto Rico. There is no available documentation of the statistics in Kenya.

References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Children, Youth and Families. Child Maltreatment 2007: (Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2009). The report is available by calling the Child Welfare Information Gateway at (800) FYI-3366 or on the Internet. http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/cb/pubs/cm07/cm07.pdf [pdf]

What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?

The signs and symptoms of child abuse may vary from child to child and from type of abuse. Both, the parent and child may show signs that may indicate that abuse is occurring in the home. It is important to note that the presence of a single sign does not necessarily mean that a child is being abused. Especial attention must be made when a child displays multiple signs and these sings occur with more frequently. If you suspect that abuse is taking place, please contact your local child protective service agency or call your local police department.

What can I do if I suspect child abuse and neglect?
How do I report child abuse and neglect?

If you suspect that a child is being harmed, please report your concerns to the appropriate authorities. You may call your local child protective services (CPS) or the police department.

Regards,
Oduwo Noah Akala
Chairman,
Afya Kenya Foundation.