No Excuse for Abuse: On Child Abuse and Its Consequences

Reports of innocent children being abused can be unsettling, but such cases are not uncommon, and some could be silently enduring maltreatment not far away from your home. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 400 million children, or six in 10 children under the age of five, regularly suffer physical punishment or psychological violence at the hands of parents and caregivers globally. The fact is that child maltreatment is often hidden, as such cases usually surface when things go out of hand or through visible bruises, and the abusers are mostly someone they know – a parent, family member, caregiver, or guardian. It is a global problem, and Nagaland is no exception. The recent report of a minor girl being allegedly subjected to repeated physical and mental abuse by her foster mother in Phek district should serve as an eye-opener for people of the state about child abuse. Many children could be suffering ill treatment from people they trust and look up to. Just because they can’t speak for themselves doesn’t mean this serious issue should be left unaddressed. It is also important to identify the difference between disciplining and abusing in order to offer timely help to the victims. For instance, spanking children with intent to build their character is common in many societies, but it can amount to abuse if a certain line is crossed, say, causing physical injuries. There is a saying, “Spare the rod, spoil the child”, but studies also suggest that spanking can affect a child’s mental and social development. Rod should not be used as an excuse to abuse children, and it doesn’t necessarily mean “the rod”.

According to WHO, child abuse refers to all types of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which can harm a child’s growth. It basically means any action that can harm a child physically, emotionally or psychologically. India has a robust legal framework to safeguard the rights and well-being of children through various legislations like the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act. While these laws are meant to address abuse, exploitation, and neglect of children, preventive measures like education, awareness, family support and positive parenting are vital to stop this public health concern. Besides possible lifelong physical and mental health effects, including depression, anxiety and substance use, studies suggest that victims are likely to abuse others, thus affecting people around them and the society as a whole. Abuse is a silent killer, and no child deserves it.