Have A Case Of Child Sexual Abuse? Get Help From Media Concern Initiative

Mamalette do you have a case of child abuse? Get help from Media Concern Initiative

When child sexual abuse is mentioned the first question that may come to your mind is does it really happen?

Yes it does, child abuse is as real as the air you breathe and its considered a silent occurrence all over the world.

Child sexual abuse is an activity between a child and an adult whereby the adult uses the child to gratify or satisfy his sexual needs. ( The WHO definition explains that its beyond adult and child but also between children – mothers need to know that).

Child sexual abuse is evidenced by an activity between a child and an adult or another child who by age or development in a relationship of responsibility, trust or power, the activity being intended to gratify or satisfy the needs of the other person. This may included but not is limited to the inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity; the exploitative use of a child in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices; the exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials (WHO, 1999). 

Forms of child sexual abuse include asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities (regardless of the outcome), indecent exposure (of the male and female genitals, and nipple etc.) to a child with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to intimidate or groom the child, physical sexual contact with a child, or using a child to produce child pornography and any other sexually suggestive act.

A child who has been abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. So mothers should watch out for signs that may show that their child has been abused

Mamalettes by learning about the common signs of abuse and what you can do to intervene, you can make a huge difference in a child’s life.

Signs a child has been sexually abused include;

• Sexual behavior or knowledge beyond their ages
• Reluctance to undress
• Blood in the child’s underwear
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Trouble walking or sitting
• Sexually acting out on younger children
• When they flinch when you are bathing that area, showing pain or/and pretending  not to be in pain.
• A fear of certain places, people, or activities, especially being alone with certain people.
• Disturbed sleep/frequent nightmares
• Rage, fear, anxiety, anger, excessive crying
• Drastic change in school performance, drawing with bizarre themes,
• Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection

Some of the signs may not be sexual abuse related but it does show that the child need urgent attention required to find out what is really wrong.

If you are concerned that your child or another child has been abused seek help immediately by contacting MediaCon Crisis Response Centre on their 24 hours helpline 0809 952 2487, 0805 820 7164 & 0802 333 1036.

About Media Concern Initiative – for Women and Children (MediaCon)

Media Concern Initiative – for Women and Children (MediaCon) was founded in 2000 by Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode to break the silence around sexual violence against women and children and to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive care and support.

 

Media Concern Initiative – for Women and Children (MediaCon) is an organization working in the field of Sexual Violence Prevention and Crisis Response. Sexual Violence Prevention includes advocacy, research, trainings and a sexual violence resource center. In 2005, as part of our commitment to addressing and contributing to an effective and sustainable sexual violence response in Nigeria and Africa, MediaCon started a Rape Crisis Response Center staffed and equipped with Victim Advocates and 24-hrs Confidential Helplines. The Victim Advocates provide support and address the following needs of the victims & survivors.

How Will They Help?

• Trauma management counseling
• HIV Counseling & Testing
• Provision of Post Exposure Prophylaxis(PEP)
• Access to Emergency Contraceptives and other prophylactics
• Rape-related mental health assessment & treatment
• Psychosocial support
• Free legal aid
• Holding watching briefs
• Partnership with Criminal Justice actors across the nation &
• Experienced referral system within criminal justice sector and other service providers across the nation for victims and their families.

What Help Will They Offer?

Your child will be given access to:

• Forensic Interviewing  – a non traumatizing method of interview that a child suspected of being sexually abuse or have made a disclosure of sexual abuse
• HIV Screening
• Access to Medical Emergency: Prevention of HIV by provision of Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) within 72hrs of sexual violence incidence to prevent HIV infection.
• Emergency Contraceptives (EC) to guard against unwanted/unplanned pregnancy and other emergency medical treatment such as Vaccination to Hepatitis B and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), etc.
• State legal advice & representation particularly during child sexual abuse cases and litigation.
• Sexual Violence Resource Center

You have to know that the earlier you ask for help the better for both you and your child and that is why as a mother you have to be observant and watch out for any strange and uncommon act from your child so that you would be able to get your child help on that.

We are also happy to announce that Mamalette is in partnership with MediaCon. With our partnership we would be able to easily refer cases of sexual violence.

Helpful? Mamalettes have any questions ? You can also share your experience with us, visit our forum or post your comments below.

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