Child protection begins at home and all forms of abuse have a devastating impact on the emotional, social and physical wellbeing of a child. The daily media reports of children being abused have led CWSA to advise parents and caregivers to take the threat of child abuse seriously. To help children and prevent them from becoming victims of abuse:

1. Take time to educate your child about Children’s Rights and to know the type of behaviour that is not acceptable from others. Any language or behaviour that makes a child feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, in any way, should be discouraged - even when a person that they know, such as a friend or family member, is involved. People must have respect for each other - and that includes respecting the rights of children.
2. Create an environment where your child can feel comfortable in discussing what that might be worrying them. Children should be able to talk to you without feeling judged or blamed for anything at the end of the discussion.
3. Remember the rule of safety in numbers. Don’t let your child go alone to the shop or out on other errands.
4. Make sure you are on time when collecting your child after school or extra-mural activities. And don't get into the habit of asking others to collect your child from school without first sending a letter to explain the circumstances.
5. When your child wants to go out with friends or stay-over at their home, make time to meet the other family before giving your approval; then, take time to discuss the outing or visit afterwards with the child.
6. Investigate places of entertainment and make sure they are child friendly before allowing your child to go there unaccompanied by you or with an adult well known to you.
7. Be aware if a child starts coming home with gifts or money that cannot be accounted for. If children say it is a gift from a friend, ask for their name and telephone number so you can thank them.
8. If a child tries to explain the strange activities or behaviour of others that they can’t fully understand, take them seriously and get professional help from your local Child Welfare Society or the local police.
9. Child abuse has no boundaries and perpetrators do not discriminate in terms of age, gender, social backgrounds or the family circumstances of their victims. Child abusers are everywhere.

Prevent child abuse and help us protect your children by introducing these simple measures in your home today. Unfortunately, tomorrow may already be too late for some children in our country.