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Stop child abuse
LifeLine has traditionally worked with adults, however one cannot ignore the high levels of child abuse. Everyone needs to be part of the solution.
Our work involves:
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Strengthening family and parental relationships
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How to identify and report child abuse.
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Counselling of children over 10 years.
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Referral of young children for professional play therapy
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Supportive interventions and referrals as required by individuals
A check list for signs and symptoms of child abuse:
Remember if your child shows some of these symptoms
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Talk to them gently
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Assure them they are not in trouble and
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You will keep them safe.
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Tell them that you will believe them and DO so
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Do not promise complete confidentiality; explain that you might need to tell a few more adults to help you both. But do not tell any unnecessary extras. And ask the child if you can tell granny for example. The more you enable the child to feel in control again the more they will recover.
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Physical Symptoms |
Vaginal and or anal swelling/redness |
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Bruises |
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Burns |
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Medical Symptoms |
Vaginal or anal discharge |
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Recurrent urinary infections |
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Recurrent abdominal pains |
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Enuresis- renewed bed-wetting, involuntary urination |
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Behavioral Symptoms |
Change in usual behavioral pattern |
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Withdrawal |
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Aggression or temper tantrums |
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Excessive masturbation or provocative over-sexual behavior |
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Under achievement at school |
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Running away from school and/or from home |
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Weight gain or loss |
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Change in sleeping patterns |
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Psychological Symptoms |
Nightmares |
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Depression – can manifest in rebellion in teens |
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Suicide talk or attempts |
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Self mutilation |
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Drug or alcohol abuse |
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Sexualized play or drawings |
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Mood swings |
Remember that these MAY be abuse. If in doubt ask for help.
Help: LifeLine
Childline: 0861 322 322
Police: 10111
If the abuse is recent (last 72 hours) GO to a police immediately and ensure they take you and the abused child to the nearest crisis clinic in a STATE hospital – you can assess treatment for AIDS infection & pregnancy, sexual transmitted illnesses, and anxiety free of charge.
If the abuse happened a while ago the doctors will treat the child symptomatically but will not be able to reverse HIV infection if it has taken place. A termination of pregnancy can take place within 20 weeks without difficulty.
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