Scary Facts About Child Abuse In South Africa
South Africa is a strongly diverse country , with many different cultures and groups within it. We are know as " the rainbow nation " because of all the different cultures .
Children are abused everyday , whether it's sexually abused or physically abused , it happens . The primary cause of death in South Africa is because of AIDS . Nearly 7 million South Africans are infected with HIV and 2.5 % are children less than 14 years old . 45 % off all deaths among children under the age of 5 years , is AIDS-related and only 5% children suffering from AIDS receive antiretroviral treatments. That's a shocking statistic ! In the rural areas , the numbers are even more alarming because access to medical care is more difficult . More than a million children have become orphans because of AIDS .
Sexual abuse in South Africa
South Africa have the highest level of rape in the world and children is on the short end of this statistic . Boys are equally as vulnerable as girls . A study done by the University of Western Cape , reported higher lifetime prevalence rates of sexual abuse (36.8%) than girls (33.9%) . Girls are more likely to be sexually touched or molested , and boys are more likely to experience exposure abuse , where they are forced to watch sexual content . Boys externalise this abuse by victimising other . It can be in any form of victimising , not just sexual offending , but by aggresive behaviour and bullying . Girls internalize this behaviour by falling into depression or substance abuse . They engage in activities that is harmful for themselves .
"Let's raise children who won't have to recover from their childhood" - Pam Leo
Occurring of events
One in 10 children who are abused , had this experience more than four times . Usually when a child is abused , it's from someone they know or a close family friend . In some cases parents of the rural poverty areas , sell their children for a night with a sexual predator , just so they have money to support their addiction , alcohol or drugs . In a lot of Black African cultures , the children get forced into early marriage . When a child is forced into early marriage , it's usually for the benefit of the family . This is wrong on so many levels , because you take that child's childhood away . Most cases the child cannot go to school to get a decent education and that's why poverty and unemployment is so high . The children who are "for sale " experience abuse in the marriage. The husband who had "purchased" the child , feels the girl belongs to him because he "bought " her .
Reporting child abuse
Don't wait until you are certain to report child abuse . In some cases when you wait to be certain before reporting child abuse , then it's too late and the child is already abused a number of times. If you have concerns or are worried about a child or you suspect a child is being abused , notify the necessary authorities . You can save a child's life . If you , as an adult , are too scared to report an incident , get someone else to report it . You can contact various organizations and you can keep your identity private . If you know about an abuse or incident and you keep quiet about it , you are also an child abuser ! Report an abuse if you have suspicion of an abuse . Don't wait until it's too late .
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@jacoknoetze
Children are the future they need all the protection they can get @jacoknoetze
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Yeah they do need all the protection they can get . We as a steemit community can post and talk about these situations and like @familyprotection , we can make a difference by standing together . I really support their movement and I want more people to support it. @familyprotection , @canadian-coconut , @markwhittam and @fulltimegeek , they are going out off their way to help families and children and for that I say Thank You!!
Hi Jacoknoetze! Very interesting post especially from a south african perspective. AIDS is man-made and was bought to Africa through its immunisation programme. Sexual abuse in girls and boys normally manifest itself in sexual promiscuity in later life, it can really change people's lives and take lives. I hear you - keep up the good work!
Such an awful experience can scar a child for life , and sometimes the child that is being abused feels so overwhelming that he/she also abuse later in life . AIDS is a really big issue in South Africa , but also in the whole of Africa continent . Thanks for the comment !
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Thank you for raising awareness and your links to people that care and can help protect our future leaders and fellow humans who need a voice like yours to speak out for them! Thanks for sharing.
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STOPI had no idea the the number of people with aids was that high in South Africa. Those poor kids. That's just aweful. Good article
Thank You. Yes , it is a really big statistic and all those children must live with that virus and sickness because of the stupid parents . It really breaks my heart . How selfish can one be ?
Thank you @jacoknoetze for promoting this post together with https://steemit.com/budget/@jerrybanfield/introducing-steem-budget-proposals
These facts are really scary and this is a crazy fact in different places... We just have to keep educating people
Yes we do need to educate the people about this problem and take action against the abusers . Our children deserve better !
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