In line with its core mandate to see to it that the living standard of people in the communities are well developed and improved, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development (SWCD) on Wednesday, 12th July, 2023 embarked on public education on Child Abuse at Dominase in the Bekwai municipality.
They explained child abuse also known as child endangerment or child maltreatment as a physical, sexual or psychological maltreatment of a child or children especially by parents or caregiver. Child abuse may include any act or failure to act by a parent or a caregiver that results in actual or potential harm to a child and can occur in a child’s home or in the organizations, schools and communities the child interacts with. Child abuse has been categorized into four and they are; physical, sexual, emotional and neglect.
The people of Dominase community were educated on the causes of child abuse as lack of support and stress, alcohol and drug abuse, lack of parenting skills untreated mental illness, domestic violence, unemployment, among others.
In conclusion, members of the SWCD explained that it is clear that child abuse is a global problem. It occurs due to several causes which can be financial stress, adult use of alcohol and other drugs, parents are not having basic knowledge of child care and development. In addition, adults can abuse children in different ways for example physically, emotionally, sexually and by neglect. So it is important or must be aware of the signs which may leads to abuse and detect it. Children are an important element in any community so they desire a maximum love and care should be given to them without any restrictions. They are deserving a healthy, save childhood and the opportunity to grow up to normally and become contributing adult able to serve and build up a healthy community. We all want to protect them and guide them in the right directions.
Source: Department of Social Welfare and Community Development.