The Tribune

By SERGEANT 3011 MAKELLE PINDER

Parents, it is imperative to remember your children are gifts from God. Therefore, the Royal Bahamas Police Force admonishes individuals to pay closer attention to the various social ills that continuously target innocent children. One in particular is the fight against child abuse and the signs of this inhumane act.

Remember, the first step in helping abused children is learning to recognise the warning signs of abuse.

Please note, any child at any age can be a victim of abuse. In fact research proves that children over the age of five are more likely to be physically abused and suffer moderate injuries than children under the age of five.

Therefore, here are a few alert signs which may indicate the presence of child abuse.

The Child

• Shows sudden changes in behaviour or school performance

• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention

• Has learning problems that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological problems

• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen

• Lacks adult supervision

• Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

The Parent

• Shows little concern for the child, rarely responding to the school’s requests for information, for conferences, or for home visits

• Denies the existence of - or blames the child for - the child’s problems in school or at home

• Asks the classroom teacher to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves

• Sees the child entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome

• Demands perfection or a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes

• Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school

• Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home from school

• Shrinks at the approach of adults; or

• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.

SIGNS OF NEGLECT

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:

• Is frequently absent from school

• Begs or steals food or money from classmates

• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunisations, or glasses

• Allowed to roam the streets without adult supervision.

SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:

• Has difficulty walking or sitting

• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities

• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behaviour

• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age

• Reports of sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver.

SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:

• Shows extremes in behaviour, such as overly compliant or demanding behaviour, extreme

• passivity or aggression

• Is delayed in physical or emotional development

• Has attempted suicide; or

• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Remember children are precious gifts from God who should be loved and nurtured NOT abused, killed and taken advantage of,

Should you need more information on child abuse or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please do not hesitate to contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Island or If you know of Individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support please contact the Department of Social Services hotline number at 322-2763.