Violence Against Children: A Global Cry for Help

“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun: not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.” ~Dave Pelzer

The World Health Organization states that “Violence against children includes all forms of violence against people under 18 years old, whether perpetrated by parents or other caregivers, peers, romantic partners, or strangers. Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years, have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year.” Further it is worth noting that the United Nations states “Children who experience sexual violence suffer from long-term psychological trauma, health consequences including transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies.”

The stories of adults committing sexual violence against children are unfortunately nothing new but recently, the stories of sexual violence against children seem to be everywhere. It seems no place is safe for these innocent children even the house of worship! Below are some cases that have gotten attention worldwide but what about those cases that are not being reported and the perpetrators got away with the crime?

An American Singer/Rapper R. Kelly was accused and charged for sexually abusing underage girls for many years. He was also accused of marrying a 15 year-old girl. He denied all allegations and awaiting trials. People in his inner circle must have seen something…why did these people protect him for all those years?

Another example is the allegations of sexual assault against young children in the Catholic Church. This is a global crisis that is being felt around the globe. In some cases, Nuns, catholic priests, and members have been investigated and convicted for covering up these incidents. The abuse allegedly include boys and girls but mostly boys, some as young as three years old, with the majority between the ages of 11-14!

The case of a 3-year-old Georgia girl named Janiyah Armanie Brooks who was sexually assaulted, raped, physically abused by her step-father and died from her injuries. The step-father and her mother were charged in the case. Her mother was allegedly aware of the abuse and present in most of the incidents.

Violence against children (e.g. sexual assault, physical abuse etc.) occurs primarily in domestic settings but a significant proportion of incidents occur in school, religious, and social settings. Concerns about sexual assaults in schools have recently grown as a result of frequent allegations of inappropriate sexual relations between teachers and underage girls and boys according to multiple outlets such as the World Health Organization.

No matter how young your child is, it is not too early to teach them some basic skills of protecting themselves from perpetrators. Have that ‘talk’ with your children about their private parts encourage them to talk about anything with you. Have an open-door policy where your children can come to you anytime to discuss anything.

Children are the future of the world. They are innocent! They are vulnerable! They are trusting! It is our collective job to protect them from harm especially from despicable act such as sexual assault and violence. Children are not safe anywhere not even in their own homes for instance I have heard stories of mothers protecting their partners knowing fully well that they are committing sexual violence act against their children. There are no words to describe such a situation, I’m just speechless! 

The main take away is to be available and show interest in your children’s day-to-day activities!

Ten Ways to Teach Your Child the Skills to Prevent Sexual Abuse

1. Talk about body parts early:
   • Teach them that some body parts are private
   • Teach your child body boundaries
   • Tell your child that keeping secrets are not okay
   • Tell your child no one should take pictures of their private parts
   • Teach your child how to get out of scary uncomfortable situations
   • Have a code word your children can use when they feel unsafe or want to be picked up
   • Tell your children they will never be in trouble if they tell you a body secret
   • Tell your child that these rules apply even with people they know and even with another child. ~Source: Child Mind Institute