Abuse: Health24: Parenting

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Abuse

We don't want to think about the possibility that our children might be abused. But the reality is that about a quarter of South African children have been or will be sexually abused before they turn 18. The statistics of physical abuse are unknown but one could speculate that they would be even more shocking.

What causes child abuse?

Child abuse can be caused by a number of factors. We outline parental, ecological and child factors that could make children vulnerable to abuse.

Signs of sexual abuse

This terrifying question is one that most parents hope they will never have to ask. But when parents assume that their children are not at risk, they are very wide off the mark.

How to spot physical abuse

How can you tell whether a child is physically abused? According to Childline Gauteng there are a number of physical and behavioural signs that may indicate abuse.

Kids shocked by violence

Almost all adolescents attending certain Cape schools reported exposure to at least one traumatic event in the previous year, according to this survey.

Child abuse: the risk factors

For Child Protection Week, we focus on factors that could make children vulnerable to abuse. If you become aware of these factors, you should be more alert about child abuse.

Tik: is your child at risk?

Kids love it. It's easily accessible, relatively cheap and can even be made in your kitchen. It’s called crystal meth or “tik”. Why is everyone up in arms about this drug trend?

South Africa's silent victims

Children of people who abuse alcohol or drugs have become the silent victims of a growing problem. Sadly, South African statistics are right up there with the rest of the world.

Wild child

Completely isolated, or living in the wild on their own, or with animals - wild children are for real.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse can take many different forms. These not only include sexual and physical abuse, but also emotional abuse and neglect.

Incest: SA kids at risk

Recent reports indicate that one in two South African children have experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. This article looks aat incest in South Africa.

Talking about sexual abuse

Two reasons why many parents avoid this topic: they do not want to scare their children, and the other is that they don’t want to think that it might happen to their children.

Baby's head injury could be abuse

If doctors can't get a good explanation for a baby's internal head injury, they should assume shaken baby syndrome.

Focus on child sexual abuse

How does one begin to understand and respond to the high level and brutal nature of sexual abuse of young children in South Africa and neighbouring countries?

Know the signs of child abuse

In this article we focus on child abuse: the types of abuse, practical tips on spotting this hidden phenomenon and what to do about it.

How alcohol can kill children

In 2007 reports of an 8-year-old girl, found drunk on the streets of Kraaifontein, shocked the country. How does alcohol affect kids, and is it OK to give a child a sip of wine?