Whatever is done to prevent a child from becoming a victim of abuse is an investment in the future of children in our country.

Different Types of Child Abuse

Physical Abuse
This is the most common and easily recognisable form of abuse because of physical evidence such as excessive marks on a child’s hands, face or body and which could include bruises, scars, burns or bites. Physical abuse can also go as far as causing bone fractures.

Emotional Abuse
This may take the form of failure to meet a child’s need for affection, attention or stimulation and could also be verbal abuse or rejection, or an attempt to frighten a child or threaten violence.

Sexual Abuse
Intercourse with a minor (a person under the age of 18 years) is considered unlawful sexual abuse. This includes oral or physical stimulation of a child as well as acts or behaviour used as sexual stimuli - including exposure to pornographic material.

Neglect
Deliberately not carrying out important aspects of care such as providing food, shelter and a caring environment as well as failure to protect a child from exposure to danger is considered neglect.

How to identify if a child is being abused
Any unusual change in the behaviour of a child can signify that some form of abuse has taken place. This may be withdrawal - wanting to be alone and not mixing with friends or family members - or regressive behaviour such as reverting to an earlier stage of development - bed-wetting, unexplained bouts of anger or unusual conduct such as suddenly failing at school.

What to do if you suspect a child is being abused

• Get professional help from your local child welfare organisation or the Department of Social Services. Alternatively, report the matter to the local police station particularly where there is a local family violence unit.
• CWSA asks caring community members to report any suspected cases of child neglect or abuse to their local child welfare organisation where all such reports are treated as confidential.