According to the World Health Organization, the word abuse is any behavior or attitude committed by an adult, knowingly or unknowingly, that negatively affects the physical, psychological and social development of the child. It is possible to encounter cases of abuse in many places. Examples of these places are family, school, social spaces and workplaces. Of course, every abuse experienced in these areas causes deep wounds in the victim's soul, but the effects of domestic abuse can be more severe than others. Witnessing or being exposed to this situation in the family environment, where the individual's basic trust and emotional needs are met, can cause irreversible wounds in the individual's soul.
Abuse is divided into 3 groups: physical, sexual and emotional. Regardless of which of the abuse groups we have mentioned, it has serious negative effects on the victim and increases the likelihood of experiencing some negative events in the future or creates a basis for negative events. The situation experienced by children exposed to domestic abuse is quite severe. Children exposed to this situation may experience behavioral disorders or developmental delays.
An example of physical abuse is beating. Especially children can be exposed to this a lot. This can cause children to become withdrawn, remain silent, be afraid, feel insecure, and suppress their emotions. A child who is exposed to or witnesses this situation must be taken under immediate protection. In addition, the child should be given space to express himself and trust should be instilled so that he feels safe.
Children have not developed as much reasoning skills as an adult. For this reason, when evaluating an event, it may be distorted and draw unrealistic conclusions. For example, when any member of the family is exposed to abuse, he or she may hold himself/herself responsible and blame himself/herself for this situation. For this reason, it is necessary to talk to the child clearly and emphasize that the situation has no connection with the child. Thus, the child will have the opportunity to understand the situation better and will not blame himself for no reason. It is normal to get angry and angry when expressing yourself. It is very important to listen calmly without intervening.
This In addition, the child should not be burdened with heavier burdens and responsibilities than he can handle. For example, the child should not be exposed to situations such as a mother who is exposed to violence in the family asking her child for help, intervening him and giving him the role of mediator, communicating with the father through the child, or asking the child to take sides. Because the child may lack the talent and skills to achieve this. This situation may cause the child to be overwhelmed by these responsibilities and experience intense feelings of guilt.
Apart from this, sexual abuse situations may also occur within the family. It is necessary to be very careful about this situation. Because children may not understand or explain this situation. He may have been threatened that he should not tell anyone about this situation. He may have been frightened by this threat and thought he had to hide what he was experiencing. In addition, the child may have to hide this situation because he thinks that he will be punished by his parents or that no one will believe him. Children who cannot evaluate the situation well enough may blame themselves for this abuse. It is necessary to pay close attention to this situation. It is very important to reassure the child, listen to him, teach him to protect his body, teach his limits and teach him how to ask for help.
So how can it be understood that the child is being abused?
If there is itching, pain and redness in the genital areas
If he/she reacts excessively to physical contact
If he/she has unexplained abdominal pain despite examinations,
If he/she is restless,
If he/she has sleeping problems,
If he/she has started to wet the bed,
If he exhibits sexual words and behaviors that are inappropriate for his age,
If he frequently masturbates in open areas,
More appears sluggish or angry
Talks about suicidal thoughts
Appetite problems occur
If there is a problem with eating habits,
If there is a decrease in school success
If many of these situations are observed in the child, being careful and benefiting from consultancy services on this issue can help clarify the situation and what to do next.
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