Attention teachers!! Let's keep our eyes open. What do we need to know about child sexual abuse? Child Sexual Abuse is defined as any activity in which an adult or older child uses a younger child in a sexual way. This ranges from relatively milder forms such as touching/ fondling, showing one's own or looking at the child's private parts, too more severe forms such as rape. Child Sexual Abuse is extremely prevalent in Pakistan irrespective of age, sex, education, socio-economic class, intelligence, etc. Most abusers are known to the child and may even be trusted adults Child sexual abuse can have long-lasting effects on personality, even if it happened at a young age, or just once, or wasn't very severe. Child sexual abuse is NEVER the fault of the child!

What can we do to prevent child sexual abuse?

• Give the child age-appropriate information on protection.
• Build self-confidence, self-esteem and assertiveness in class.
• Be supportive and help the child trust you.
• Encourage the child to talk and express his/her thoughts, feelings and concerns in class.
• Keep an eye on young children.
• Form a rapport with the parents.
• Take an interest in the child's life.
• Support the child if she /he discloses abuse.
• Learn as much as possible about child sexual abuse .
• Learn to recognize signs of emotional disturbance and possible abuse.
• Find out where relevant help is available and refer.

Other Pointers

• Repeat simple safety rules,
• Teach children to be assertive and say "NO' to things that make them feel uncomfortable.
• Help children develop a dignified vocabulary for their private parts. It is important to tell them that these are special and private.
• Communicate as much as possible with your child.
• Help the child to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and respect.
• Be attentive to the child's needs/ fears
• Know where your child is and with whom

How can we tell that our student may be a victim?

The SUDDEN occurrence of any of the following problems for no other apparent reason:

• Various infections, itching, bleeding, urinary tract infections, bruises cuts, etc in genital area
• Bed-wetting, Excessive crying, eating problems
• Sleep disturbances. Including nightmares
• Age-inappropriate sexual awareness or sexual
• Activity with toys, peers, adults
• Clinging behavior or withdrawal/isolation
• Spending too much time with certain people secretively or alone
• Phobia/fears, especially of certain people or places
• Delinquent behavior (steeling, excessive lying, running away, etc.)
• Drop in academic performance
• Under-confidence, staying quiet a lot
• Aggression
• Self-mutilation
• Problems in relationships
• Suicidal ideation or attempts
• Behaving like a much younger child

What can we do if we know of or suspect child sexual abuse?

• Talk to child gently in private without anger, blame or shock.
• For a young child, talk to the family and gently inform them.
• Encourage, but do not push the child to talk and express feelings. Support him/her.
• Encourage the family to get professional help or get it for them. Contact Aangan

You have the right to be aware & seek help!

Write to: Aangan, Rozan
House 258, Street 17, F-10/2, Islamabad
Tel: (+92 51) 221 5368 and (+92 51) 716 5365
From 9:00am - 5:00pm every day except Saturday and Sunday.
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