1. What is child abuse?
Child abuse is when someone (adult or another child), whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child. There are four types of abuse; neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
2. What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect?
Behavioral changes such as excessive withdrawal, aggression, depression, and anxiety are common signs. Children may exhibit inappropriate sexual knowledge, poor hygiene, untreated medical issues, persistent hunger, and lack of supervision. Socially, they might struggle with making friends, isolate themselves, or run away frequently. Regression to earlier behaviors, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming attachments are also indicators. These signs necessitate careful attention and prompt reporting to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
3. How do I recognize and respond to a sign of child neglect?
We can recognize signs of neglect by noting poor hygiene, untreated medical issues, persistent hunger, inadequate supervision, frequent absences, and developmental delays. We can respond by documenting concerns, offering support, and reporting to child protective services or authorities to ensure the child's safety and access to necessary resources.
4. How do I report a suspected child abuse or neglect case?
In Sri Lanka, report suspected child abuse or neglect by contacting the NCPA. You can call their 24-hour hotline at 1929 or email complaints@childprotection.gov.lk. Reports can also be made at local police stations or via the NCPA's website, ensuring the child's immediate safety and initiating investigations.
5. What is the reporting procedure for a suspected abuse?
Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect involve the following steps: 1. Contact Authorities: Reach out to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) at their hotline (1929) for immediate assistance and guidance. 2. Notify Local Police: Report the situation to the nearest police station, where they can take appropriate action. 3. Engage Social Services: Involve local social services or child welfare organisations for support and intervention. 4. Documentation: Gather and document any evidence or observations related to the suspected abuse or neglect. 5. Confidentiality: Ensure confidentiality and prioritise the child's safety when making a report.
6. What are some legal options and rights for a child and their family?
In Sri Lanka, children and their families have legal protections under the Children and Young Persons Ordinance, the Penal Code, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. These laws ensure the child's right to safety, education, and proper care. Families can seek protection orders, legal aid, and support services through the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the judiciary. The child’s best interests are prioritised in all legal proceedings, with provisions for counseling, rehabilitation, and reintegration into safe environments.
7. What would be the best or ideal child protective services authorities to reach out to?
You can reach out to the National Child Protection Authority NCPA) by calling 1929. You can also contact the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women by calling 109 or 0112 444 444.
8. How do we support a child in the aftermath of a traumatic event?
Creating a secure and caring atmosphere for kids is essential to their recovery from a traumatic experience. By showing children empathy, patience, and age-appropriate assistance, we can enable kids to communicate their emotions and develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging open communication and listening, promoting healthy coping strategies, provide counselling and assistance (practicing mindfulness, speaking with a child therapist, and promoting exercise), showing patience; it takes time to heal. Also, by fostering resilience by way of assisting kids in learning coping mechanisms for upcoming difficulties.