Breaking the silence of abuse and acting fast helps children rebuild after trauma.
Too many children are still victims of violence, abuse or sexual assault. The “International Day of Innocent Child Victims of Aggression” on Monday June 4 reminds us that all children need to be protected in all circumstances.
Recognize the child’s speech
A large proportion of children who have been assaulted or abused do not speak up immediately. The fear, shame, guilt or confusion that follows this traumatic event prevents them from verbalizing and understanding what happened.
Whether they are physical traces, or psychological signs of their distress (withdrawal into oneself, sadness, deterioration in school results, sleep disorders, etc.), those around them must be attentive to these clues to help the child free his word.
Help him by posing the prohibition
When a child discloses acts of abuse or sexual assault to an adult, he places a fragile trust in him that is important to respect.
As soon as the child reveals his confidence, the adult must maintain a natural emotional reaction without minimizing or refusing to believe what has happened. Several key phrases can help her to engage in confidence and security: “I believe you”; “What he or she has done is prohibited by law”; “It’s not your fault ” ; “You are very brave to speak”.
What to do when a child discloses acts of abuse or aggression?
Any child in danger must be protected by those around him, or a child protection professional (educator, teacher, nurse, social worker, etc.). In order not to waste time and to help the investigation, the law obliges anyone with knowledge of facts of mistreatment or violence to alert the police or the gendarmerie as soon as possible.
Why this day?
It was in 1982, following numerous conflicts in the Middle East, that the UN decided to commemorate the protection of children in all circumstances every year. The goal of this day is to be able to denounce the suffering endured by children victims of physical, psychological or emotional violence throughout the world.
What are the attacks denounced by the UN?
The law of war forbids targeting civilians. Yet too many schools and hospitals are still targeted by the attacks. Children are the first victims of these armed conflicts where they are often used, recruited or detained. Six frequent violations are denounced by the UN: sexual violence, kidnappings, blocking humanitarian access, destruction of schools and hospitals, massacres and forcible recruitment.
Children are more fragile, easy to handle and defenseless. They need to be protected from the risks of negligence and malicious intent. With this day of action, the UN recalls that during armed conflicts, it is up to states and public authorities to guarantee the security of the most vulnerable. However, everyone can act by supporting child protection associations that are on the ground to help their children grow up in this difficult context.
.
