We support a childhood without violence. How to do it?

Child abuse is any act or omission that causes harm, suffering, violates the dignity, physical or mental health of a child and inhibits their development. Violence can take various forms.

Physical violence: It includes any action that causes pain or bodily harm, such as hitting, kicking, strangling, pulling, pushing, as well as the use of corporal punishment (including slaps). Physical violence can leave visible marks such as bruises, scratches, fractures, but also invisible psychological wounds.

Psychological violence: It includes all forms of behavior that negatively affect the emotional health of a child. It can include intimidation, ridicule, humiliation, emotional blackmail, manipulation and constant criticism. Psychological violence weakens the child’s self-esteem, leads to anxiety, depression and emotional disorders.

Emotional Abuse: It is closely related to psychological abuse, but it especially refers to situations in which a child is ignored, rejected, unloved, cut off from emotional support. It can also include extreme demands, indifference to the child’s needs, and threats of abandonment.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse includes not only direct physical contact of a sexual nature with a child, but also exposing a child to pornography, forcing a child to perform sexual acts, and using a child for pornographic purposes. Sexual abuse has long-term, devastating effects on a child’s psyche and health.

Neglect: This is the failure to care for a child and meet their basic needs, such as food, clothing, health care, protection from danger, and emotional and educational needs. Neglect can be just as harmful as direct abuse, leading to serious health, developmental, and mental health problems.

Peer violence: This includes the actions of other children or young people that are aggressive, intimidating, humiliating or harmful towards their peers. It can be physical, psychological or emotional violence, as well as cyberbullying, which is aggression carried out using the Internet and social media. Violence against children is unacceptable in any form and always leads to serious consequences for the health and development of the child.

Recognizing child abuse can be difficult, because children often hide their suffering due to shame, fear of retaliation or loyalty to the perpetrator. However, there are some signs that a child may be experiencing violence:

Behavioral changes: A child who suddenly becomes withdrawn, anxious, overly aggressive, has problems concentrating or starts avoiding peers may be experiencing violence. A sudden deterioration in academic performance, a lack of interest in previous hobbies, as well as problems with controlling emotions are also potential alarm signals.

Physical symptoms ⚠️; Sleep problems; Neglect of hygiene and appearance; Avoidance of certain people or places; Changes in social relationships

If you notice any of these signs, do not ignore your concerns. Talking to your child with care and understanding can help you discover what is really going on. Do not hesitate to seek help from professionals such as psychologists, educators or social workers who can support your child and help you take appropriate action.

Parents have a key role in building an empowered childhood through everyday actions and attitudes that support the child’s development and strengthen their sense of self-worth. Here’s how parents can empower their children:

1. Providing a safe home
2. Showing unconditional love and acceptance
3. Supporting autonomy, space to make their own decisions and learn from their own mistakes.
4. Positive parenting: Parents who use parenting methods based on respect, patience and understanding teach their child empathy, communication and resolving conflicts in a constructive way. Giving up physical and mental punishment in favor of positive methods of discipline supports the child’s healthy emotional development.
5. Supporting learning and development, in pursuing their goals and dreams, while teaching them how to deal with failures.
6. Building healthy relationships: Parents who model healthy relationships based on respect and trust teach their children how to build such relationships with others

Parents have a huge influence on who their child will become. Through wise and conscious actions, they can give them the power to cope with difficulties and achieve success in life.

More information