MONSTER CALLED ‘CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE' By Zephaniah Rohi John

          MONSTER CALLED ‘CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE'  


By Zephaniah Rohi John

Sometime last year I received a video on WhatsApp were a small child was raped by an oadult and just the agony on the child’s face and his helpless struggle was beyond heartbreaking. Around same period a girl was raped to death in my town. Child abuse has become so rampant in this present age, the rate at which it happens is so alarming and frustrating. Research has shown that one in ten children are sexually abused before their 18th birthday and most of them are abused by either family members or people their family trusts.

Child sexual abuse is often a topic people find difficult to discuss, the thought that children of a particular race and origin experience various forms of molestation on a daily basis is alarming, not discussing and addressing the issue leaves the perpetrators free to do more and the victims destroyed both emotionally, mentally and psychologically. People might wonder how often do sexual abuses on children or minor take place, the truth is most victims don’t report to authorities or discuss with trusted relatives about the abuse, majority are scared of been stigmatized? Or scared, since stiff actions are hardly taken against sexual offenders, most offenders end up been trusted and respected individuals.

Victims of child abuse

Very often, victims of child sexual abuse are either from broken homes or neglected by parents due to work demand. Research also shows that children living with two married biological parents are at a low risk of being abused . But for children living with step parents, single parents and family members the risk are higher. While children living with busy parents, children not given much attention and not shown much love and not listened to by their parents, are at risk, also are children from poor families. Female children are at the highest risk.

Perpetrators of child sexual abuse

As I’ve earlier stated, majority of the culprits are people well known to the victims. On seeing this people they don’t look guilty whatsoever, in fact they are people the community respects. Most seek close relationship with the children either in schools, religious settings or other organizations were children are involved. They tend to give children the attention they need where parents are failing, they are usually very attentive and caring, these builds trust, then they take advantage of that trust. They sometimes treat victims as special, buying them gifts and overly showing interest in their lives.

Effects of sexual abuse on children

Several research have shown, a child who has been abused grow up to exhibit characteristics which might be formerly unlike them. Even if some are able to move on from the experience and live a normal life such might not the case for everyone. Some have been abused several times so much that it leaves a parmenent scar in their upbringing, not forgetting that the offenders move about freely living their lives which only make things worst for the victims.

Effects of Sexual Abuses include:

• they become easily angered and not trusting towards people

• some develop low self-esteem

• some find it difficult to develop successful relationships

• others engage in prostitution

• most suicidal and engage in drugs and alcoholism

• unwanted pregnancies

• develop psychological , mental and emotional problems

These few amongst many others are the effects of child abuse on children.

How to avoid or reduce sexual abuse amongst children.

With the alarming rate of child sexual abuse it is necessary for us not to overlook it existence, let's open our minds to the fact that such evil happens. Parents especially needs to create time for their children, let them feel loved, provide their basic needs and listen to them, never allow your kids find comfort in other people, talk to them on sex education and don’t shy away from it. Don’t allow children spend unnecesary amount of time with members of the opposite sex especially outside your watchful eyes, beware of the people who show so much interest in your children or ward, be aware of their were about and with whom at all times, most importantly, In churches, mosque, schools, whatever capacity you occupy talk about it especially between women. Frequently victims of sexual abuse are usually the girl child, for this reason, women should be the leading voice in the fight against child abuse. Are you in the academia, a religious leader, a lawyer, a politician or any other field use your position to speak about and against it and seek justice for victims it is not a one man’s fight it is everybody’s fight, let’s fight to end child abuse.
   For the abusers, what pleasure do you derive in destroying an innocent soul, more often than not, the abusers had one point been abused, redeem yourself, talk to a religious leader and trusted elders, visit a counselor, the day you are caught there will be no excuse.