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Child Abuse In A Child Called ‘it’
“Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun; not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul”, these words were drafted by the American author Dave Pelzer in his book “A child called it”. As beautiful as these words may be they cannot erase who we are. The Caribbean islands share similar backgrounds both historically and culturally; the links to slavery and the brutal plantation life have been implicated in the continued violence experienced in the Caribbean. (UNICEF, 2006). Children at home are exposed to domestic violence and become victims of child abuse. Also because of loyalty to the home, children are compelled to remain silent about instances of abuse. Abused children are torn emotionally, loving and hating the abuser in the home.
Physical abuse is any act that results in non-accidental physical injury. Children are physically punished for many reasons including disrespecting, fighting, and disobedience. The use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline is common in the Caribbean region and is used to discipline children from very young ages. (UNICEF, 2006). Parents in the Caribbean support the use of corporal punishment although severe forms of punishment leading to injury are not condoled. Reports from Guyana, Jamaica, and Barbados show that the main perpetrators of physical abuse in the home are parents. (UNICEF, 2006).
Sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child through violent and non-violent molestation. The victims of this offense are normal girls. From a study done in Jamaica, it was reported that some men believe that they have a right to a sexual liaison with a girl who is under their care and protection. (The Gleaner, 2012) The acceptance of violence to gain sexual favors is also a common position of male adolescents of the Maroon people in Suriname. (UNICEF, 2006). These beliefs serve to culturally sanction sexual abuse of females.
Emotional abuse is the overt or covert direction of hostility to a child by repeatedly threatening, withholding affection, and belittling the child’s capabilities, qualities, and desires. Verbal aggression and threats are commonly used by Caribbean parents as a means of discipline a child, however, san such an approach can cause the child to feel unwanted. In Belize, 80 percent of the school-aged children involved in a study reported being unloved by their mother while they were growing up (UNICEF 2006). Neglect is oftentimes mistaken for emotional abuse. The most common perpetrators are parents. Whether done intentionally or unintentionally as in the case of many parents who seek better opportunities of employment far from home to provide for their children, neglect is a fast-growing problem that seems to be multiplying annually.
Child abuse can result in immediate and adverse physical effects that may cause developmental issues as well as many chronic psychological effects. To prevent child abuse, there is a need to create support for parents and guardians to reinforce parenting skills and to closely monitor the child’s well-being.
