Domestic violence against children is a form of abuse that occurs when a parent or caregiver uses physical or emotional abuse to control, intimidate, or harm a child.

What is Domestic Violence?

Raising and teaching children is hard work. It requires a lot of skills, consistency, and patience but unfortunately in developing countries, all these tasks are taken lightly. I still remember that when I was in school, once a month we used to take bundles of sticks for teachers. The same was used to beat us for the next month.

Domestic violence against children is a form of abuse that occurs when a parent or caregiver uses physical or emotional abuse to control, intimidate, or harm a child. Domestic violence can have long-term physical, psychological, and emotional effects on children. Growing up in such an environment, the child becomes an abuser himself and treats others in the same way.

As far as I have seen, some limited children have not experienced domestic violence. Sometimes children are subjected to violence by their parents, older siblings, uncles, or aunts. I have been a constant victim of this. Domestic violence is done as the child is not a human but a non-living object and is under their complete control.

When you blame, criticize, or yell at a child, it clearly demonstrates your weak parenting. You must accept this and begin working on it.

I Wish Everyone Knew This- Dr. Afzal Badshah

Children in such homes live in constant fear and seek shelter from the abuser. What kind of childhood is this? What kind of home is this? What kind of protection is this? This is one of the primary responsibilities of parents to provide a haven for their children. Good child development and training requires parents to provide children with good food, education, safe shelter, healthy playtime, and training.

Following are a few harassment/violence, which children usually face.

Negligence	When elders neglect the children or fail to meet their legitimate needs, this can be the basis for further harassment. Because in such a situation, children start depending on others for their needs.
Emotional abuse	When elders use bad language with children and emotionally hurt them. Emotional abuse affects the child’s self-esteem. Due to this, the child cannot be nurtured in a positive way.
Medical malpractice	Medical malpractice has also been reported in some countries, meaning that children were given medications they did not need. For example, the use of medicine for long sleep.
Drugs	When a child falls victim to the wrong kind of gang or observes adults in their home taking drugs. Children, who are neglected by their parents, usually start these addictions.
Sexual abuse	These are both touching and non-touching sexual acts, as well as taking inappropriate pictures of the child and speaking to them inappropriately. Parents must train their children for these abuses.

Signs of Domestic Violence

Here are some tips to identify signs of Domestic Violence:

• Stay alert for any changes in behaviour or mood that may indicate abuse
• Look for physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, or burns.
• Pay attention to excessive control or possessiveness in relationships.
• Notice if the person seems fearful or anxious around their partner.
• Observe any isolation from friends and family.
• Take note of frequent excuses or explanations for injuries.

Remember, it’s important to approach the subject with care and offer support to anyone you suspect may be experiencing domestic violence.

Securing Our Children

In today’s world, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is of utmost importance. We constantly strive to protect them from any potential harm and create a secure environment for their growth and development.

Here are a few key steps we can take to safeguard our children:

1. Open Communication: Establishing open and honest communication with our children is crucial. Encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences with you. By fostering a safe space for open dialogue, they will feel comfortable discussing any issues they may encounter.
2. Education on Personal Safety: Teach your child about personal safety from an early age. Educate them on important topics such as stranger danger, online safety, and how to respond in emergency situations. This knowledge will empower them to make informed decisions and protect themselves.
3. Supervision and Monitoring: Keeping a watchful eye on our children is essential. Whether it’s monitoring their online activities, ensuring they are with trusted individuals, or being aware of their whereabouts, proactive supervision helps prevent potential risks.
4. Teaching Boundaries: Teach your child about personal boundaries and the importance of respecting others’ boundaries as well. Emphasize the significance of consent and help them understand what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.
5. Building a Supportive Network: Foster a strong support system for your child by cultivating relationships with trusted family members, friends, and mentors. This network can provide guidance, support, and an additional layer of protection for your child.
6. Encouraging Self-Confidence: Promote self-confidence and assertiveness in your child. Help them develop a strong sense of self and the ability to voice their opinions and say no when necessary. This empowerment can deter potential threats and build resilience.

Remember, securing our children is an ongoing effort that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. By implementing these strategies and nurturing a safe and supportive environment, we can provide our children with the protection they need to thrive.

If you’re looking for tips and advice on how to become a better parent, then look no further! Visit the full list to read more about parenting and get the help you need.

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