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Parent24 : Preschool 2-6 : health safety : Parents, take note

Parents, take note

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Know the signs to look out for when your child is being abused.

By Carly Ritz

Pic: iStockphoto.com

Article originally in Parent24

Children are vulnerable to the world outside and not everyone is going to love your child as you do.

Paedophiles and child molesters are a very real and unfortunate part of the life. You need to be able to spot a sexual abuser and know how to tell whether your child is showing signs of abuse or not.

Here's what to look out for

Sudden behavioural change which includes isolation, withdrawal and aggression.
Child is unable to tell you where he/she has been.
A sudden poor school performance and lack of interest in usual activities.
Nightmares and disturbed sleeping patterns.
Physical symptoms may include bed wetting and painful genitals, blood on underwear and self-mutilation.

Social worker Bridget Mogale says that if you suspect your child is being abused, then first take the child for a medical to a district surgeon. If the child has been abused then it is a good idea to consider some form of counselling to help the child deal with the situation.

Parents cannot be with their children all the time. The best way to keep children safe is to encourage an open relationship with them so they know they can talk to you about anything, says Aileen Langley, Assistant Director of Jo’burg Child Welfare. Explain to your children the difference between good and bad touching.

For more information please contact Jo’burg Child Welfare on 011 298 8500 or alternatively e-mail us at communications@jhbchildwelfare.org.za