Protect sexually abused children
Jan 11, 2009
YOUR mental picture of a child sex offender is probably that of a sex beast, unfeeling animal and twisted pervert. It never occurs to you that this description could fit a parent, a child worker, teacher, uncle, grand parent, a Christian friend or even y
Yvonne Nabwire
YOUR mental picture of a child sex offender is probably that of a sex beast, unfeeling animal and twisted pervert. It never occurs to you that this description could fit a parent, a child worker, teacher, uncle, grand parent, a Christian friend or even yourself. It is not possible to tell abusers from non-abusive people unless they are caught in the act.
The forms of sexual exploitation are incest, rape, child brides, female genital mutilation, exposure to pornography, prostitution and sexual slavery in brothels, commercial sexual tourism and bonded labour.
The worst form of exploitation is sexual slavery. Not even the best conditions can erase the trauma and stigma attached to this practice.
Sexual exploitation for profit is common at the border lodges, countryside resorts and in lodges along the various Bus stations; these places provide temporary residence for travellers, tourists, businessmen, bus and track drivers.
Sex with children is used for entertainment and profit, for enjoyment and comfort, to exert power and establish dominance. The reasons are complex and disputable but the effects on the children are irrefutable and long lasting. Without intervention, the trauma and resulting behaviour will last a lifetime.
The effects of sexual abuse on a child are diverse. The psychological effect being self blame, a depressed self image resulting in self-hatred and consequently, self rejection. There is also the loss of self respect and dignity let alone the physical damage in form of deformation, pregnancy and the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
Many countries including Uganda, have laws against sexual abuse and exploitation of children. In spite of such measures, exploitation of children continues and tends to increase on a wide scale. This calls for the protection of such children.
Some of the issues to consider in protecting the sexually-abused include; providing food, accommodation and heathcare. Healthcare carters for, managing body infections.
The Government needs to address protection matters to improve the lives of children and families.
The writer is a social worker Watoto Childcare Ministries
YOUR mental picture of a child sex offender is probably that of a sex beast, unfeeling animal and twisted pervert. It never occurs to you that this description could fit a parent, a child worker, teacher, uncle, grand parent, a Christian friend or even yourself. It is not possible to tell abusers from non-abusive people unless they are caught in the act.
The forms of sexual exploitation are incest, rape, child brides, female genital mutilation, exposure to pornography, prostitution and sexual slavery in brothels, commercial sexual tourism and bonded labour.
The worst form of exploitation is sexual slavery. Not even the best conditions can erase the trauma and stigma attached to this practice.
Sexual exploitation for profit is common at the border lodges, countryside resorts and in lodges along the various Bus stations; these places provide temporary residence for travellers, tourists, businessmen, bus and track drivers.
Sex with children is used for entertainment and profit, for enjoyment and comfort, to exert power and establish dominance. The reasons are complex and disputable but the effects on the children are irrefutable and long lasting. Without intervention, the trauma and resulting behaviour will last a lifetime.
The effects of sexual abuse on a child are diverse. The psychological effect being self blame, a depressed self image resulting in self-hatred and consequently, self rejection. There is also the loss of self respect and dignity let alone the physical damage in form of deformation, pregnancy and the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS.
Many countries including Uganda, have laws against sexual abuse and exploitation of children. In spite of such measures, exploitation of children continues and tends to increase on a wide scale. This calls for the protection of such children.
Some of the issues to consider in protecting the sexually-abused include; providing food, accommodation and heathcare. Healthcare carters for, managing body infections.
The Government needs to address protection matters to improve the lives of children and families.
The writer is a social worker Watoto Childcare Ministries