What Should Be Done To Address Children Sexual And Physical Abuse

Rita

By Rita Ngwira

Sexual and physical abuse is becoming a problem in many areas. Sexual abuse is an any act that involves the touching of sexual organs, rape, exposing a child to pornographic materials and asking for sexual favours from a minor while physical abuse is any act that can inflict pain or cause harmony the body.

This is a common problem in most schools. There are several ways of addressing sexual and physical abuse in schools among students. Firstly, sensitizing children about sexual and physical abuse. Some children are not aware of what sexual and or physical abuse involves. They have to be trained not to be intimate with teachers and also they should know what to do when in case they are being abused.

The other way could be reporting to head teachers, teachers, mentors and any other responsible adults at schools or communities. These people should be able to take action or report to Police for proper action.

Furthermore, physical or sexual abuse can be addressed through meetings in youth clubs and societies at school or community level. This can be effective because some students are comfortable with their fellow students so much so that they are able to ask questions and make comments on sensitive issues that affect their sexual and physical life.

Therefore, it is important to establish such clubs in societies and schools. The matron or patron of such clubs should provide space to the learners to express their thoughts and opinions about such issues and come up with solutions .

It is also advisable  to have a suggestion box  where learners can put their suggestions.

The other way is reporting to hospitals , police or organizations that deal with child rights such as The Ombudsman, Centre For Human Rights And Rehabilitation and the Youth Arm Organisation just to mention a few.

Culprit should be punished according to the law. With these few ways, sexual and physical abuse issues among children in schools and societies can be addressed.

**Rita Ngwira is a student at Namwera Community Day Secondary School**