Child Abuse

Child abuse is a serious issue that Australians are faced with. Many believe it to be rare in our community when in fact one child is abused and/or neglected every 13 minutes (substantiated) (AIHW 2002-3). There are common misconceptions about what abuse is. Basically child abuse refers to abuse that can physically, mentally or spiritually affect a child.

Child abuse isn’t going away. In fact the number of cases is increasing. Part of this is due to the abusive parents who have suffered as children themselves, drug and alcohol related issues, and in some cases the parents haven’t been given practical help in parenting.

Some long term affects of survivors:
o Anxiety
o Fear and anger
o Sadness
o Shame, self-blame and guilt
o Rage
o Frustration
o Alienation from others
o Helplessness, hopelessness and powerlessness

These problems can increase and become serious mental health issues. These include: anorexia nervosa, bipolar disorder, deliberate self-harm, depression, panic disorder and agoraphobia and schizophrenia.

If you know someone who has been abused remember to:
• Believe them
• Believe what they say about how it has affected them
• Let them know that you do not blame them, that it is always the fault of the person who abused them
• Remind them that there are people they can talk to about it.

Support for Parents
Some things you can do when you are finding your children’s behaviour difficult:
• Talk about your stresses and problems with other parents you know, neighbours and relatives you trust.
• Speak to your doctor, local health worker or child health nurse.
• Ask for advice about normal behaviour in children.
• Enquire about parenting courses or parent support groups in your area.
• Ask about family support services.
• Ring a parenting line in your state.

There is a lot of support out there but we need to stay aware of this problem. By talking about it and realising that there is a problem we are completing the first step.