Child abuse can take shape in the form of physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and abandonment, and emotional and psychological abuse.
Signs of physical abuse on a child:
– Unexplained bruises, injuries, cuts etc. appearing frequently
– Child is constantly on high alert as if waiting for a negative event to occur
– Cuts, bruises, or other injuries seem to have a pattern in terms of appearance, marks, etc. e.g. hand marks
– Child has a fear of going home, is startled by sudden movements, or moves away from physical touch
Any physical harm/injury, attempted or enacted, on a child is considered physical abuse. Some abuse is the result of discipline; however, there is a difference between physical abuse and discipline. When discipline crosses the line and becomes physical abuse, there are several factors that stand out.
Unpredictability and a lack of rules and boundaries mean a child never knows how the parent may react to something. This results in the child constantly being watchful and cautious and uncomfortable. Some parents/guardians will lash out on children and have no motivation or desire to discipline in a loving manner. Abusive parents/guardians also use fear to make children behave however, children learn how to not be hit instead of positive behavior.
Neglect and abandonment from parents is a form of parental abuse and it may often present itself in the form of a failing pattern. The parents may consistently be failing to provide for their child’s basic needs in the form of food, supervision, hygiene, and clothing.
Some signs of on-going abuse:
– Child wears clothing that is insufficient or inappropriate for the weather or clothes are ill-fitting (i.e. loose, baggy, unclean, too thick or too thin)
– Child’s hygiene is noticeably and consistently bad, for example, unwashed hair or clothes, body odor, dirty clothes etc.
– Child presents with many physical injuries or illnesses which are left untreated
– Child misses school frequently or is late consistently
– Child is left unsupervised without adults consistently and in unsafe places
– Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments
Tips for talking to an abused child:
– Do not deny or refute what the child tells you
– Be reassuring and remain calm – this will allow the child to continue speaking and feel supported and safe
– Don’t ask leading questions or interrogate the child – allow them to continue in their own words
– Reassure the child that the situation is not their fault and they did nothing wrong
– Provide professional support/resources for the child
What to do in Dubai
The UAE’s Child Protection Law protects the rights of all children, whether they are tourists or residents.
Any and all incidents of child abuse can be reported at the following support service centers. Reports can be made using the telephone helplines, email addresses provided, or through contact forms on the websites. All reports are kept completely anonymous.
Community Development Centre (CDA) Child Protection Centre
Website:
https://www.cda.gov.ae/en/socialcare/childrenandyouth/Pages/ChildProtectionCentre.aspx
Helpline: 800-988
Email: child@cda.gov.ae
The UAE Ministry of Interior
Website: http://www.moi-cpc.ae/en/default.aspx
Helpline: 116-111
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC)
Helpline: 800-111
Website: www.dfwac.ae
Email: info@dfwac.ae
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DFWAC/
Sources:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse- and-neglect.htm
