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Child Protection

Stop Child Abuse

Sexual and other abuse of children are serious criminal offenses. Abuse leaves lasting consequences. Every adult can contribute to protecting children.

child violence prevention protection
Understanding

What is child abuse

Child abuse is any act that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to a child. This includes:

Sexual abuse
  • Touching genitals without consent
  • Forcing a child to touch an adult
  • Exposing genitals
  • Grooming and psychological manipulation
  • Exploitation of children for pornography
Physical abuse
  • Intentionally causing pain or injury
  • Inappropriate punishment
  • Neglect of basic needs
Psychological abuse
  • Repeated insults and criticism
  • Threats and intimidation
  • Isolation and control
  • Humiliation and contempt
Children cannot consent to sexual activity. This is true regardless of their age, appearance, or behavior.
Signs and Indicators

How to recognize abuse

Signs of abuse are often visible. It is important to learn to recognize them.

1

Physical signs

Injuries, bleeding, pain, or unusual wounds in the genital area.

2

Behavioral signs

Fear of a specific person, avoidance of contact, behavioral changes such as aggression or withdrawal.

3

Emotional signs

Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, nightmares, unexplained crying.

4

Sexual behavior

Inappropriate knowledge or behavior that doesn't match the child's age.

The absence of physical signs does not mean abuse did not occur. Many cases of abuse leave no visible traces.
Action

What to do if you suspect abuse

If you are an adult

1. Stay calm and take action
  • Tell the child: "I believe you. This is not your fault."
  • "Thank you for having the courage to tell me."
  • "What do you need right now?"
2. Report it
  • Call police (emergency number) immediately
  • Contact child protective services
  • Tell a teacher, doctor, or other professional
3. Preserve evidence (if safe)
  • Do not bathe the child - physical evidence is important
  • Preserve the child's clothing
  • Write down the child's words - don't interrogate

If you are a child

Tell an adult you trust
  • A parent, teacher, doctor, or trusted adult
  • Call a child helpline
  • Text or email if you're not comfortable calling
Important to know
  • It's not your fault.
  • People will believe you.
  • You're not alone.
  • Help exists.
Institutions

The role of systems in child protection

Protecting children is a shared responsibility.

Child Services

Investigate reports, assess risk, and implement protective measures.

Police

Investigate crimes and ensure safety.

Prosecutors

Review evidence and decide on prosecution.

Courts

Determine penalties and protective measures.

Schools

Observe signs and report to authorities.

Healthcare

Treat consequences and document evidence.

Challenges and improvements

While these systems exist, they are often slow, child-unfriendly, and incomplete. Improvements needed:

  • More education for professionals on trauma
  • Faster processes (children change quickly)
  • More child-friendly investigations
  • Access to psychological help during and after proceedings
  • Serious sanctions for perpetrators
Safety

Prevention of child abuse

Prevention starts with adults, not children.

What we must do:

Teach children safety
  • Body rights: no one can touch your body without your permission
  • Talk openly about bodies and sexuality
  • Use correct terms - penis, vagina are not shameful
  • Practice saying "no" and setting boundaries
  • Teach them to trust their gut feeling when something feels wrong
Supervise adults
  • Never leave a child alone with a stranger without reason
  • Know where your child is and who they're with
  • Drop in unexpectedly
  • Listen to children - what do they say about adults?
  • Insist on background checks for those who work with children
Create a protective community
  • Talk about this with other parents
  • Support local awareness programs
  • Demand that schools and organizations have safety policies
  • Support survivors - believe them
Contact

Where to find help

Local helpline

Contact your country's child protective services

For advice on reporting and support

Police

Call emergency services (911, 999, 112, etc.)

To report abuse

Medical care

Go to hospital emergency room

For medical care and evidence documentation

More contacts and organizations

Conclusion

Child abuse is tragic, but preventable. Every adult has a responsibility to protect children and say "no" to violence.

If you suspect abuse, report it. It's the only right thing to do.