Sexual abuse against children(persons below 18 years), both boys and girls, is rampant both in Kenya and across the world.
The perpetrators, who in most cases are relatives or people close to the victims, have gone to the extent of molesting minors below the age of one year.
In 2017, between the months of October and December, a total of 391 cases of sexual abuse among children were reported to Childline Kenya.
The cases are however way more than what is known, since there are a lot of cases that are never reported, be it to the media, police stations or agencies fighting against the vice in our society.
The boychild is also a victim of abuse and according to statistics by the ministry of health, 146 cases of sodomy were reported in Kiandutu area of Thika alone in 2021.
A number of parents however assume that children especially below the age of five years, who have undergone the abuse, will forget and overcome their fears once they grow but in real sense, such things might affect the entire upbringing and life of that child even as a grown up.
In one of the interviews of Tales of Wanjiku by Lyn Ngungi, a 24-year old woman from Limuru narrated the struggles that she has undergone since she was defiled at the age of three years.
According to her, after she underwent the harrowing ordeal, she never underwent counseling and as she grew up, she developed conditions that are affecting her to date. She could however not understand why she was like that until the memories of that fateful day jolted back. While at school, she was so withdrawn and would spend most of the time alone.
“I was only three years when I was sexually abused and raped and by that time I was very young to know what was happening to me and due to the sexual trauma, I developed three mental heal conditions that am still struggling with till today. I developed an anxiety disorder known as social anxiety, I also have this strong fear of men. I also developed complex Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some of form of stress. ” the victim narrated.
Due to the effects of the abuse, the 24-year old has never been engaged in a romantic relationship and her fear of many cuts across all men including her relatives
Study indicates that Child sexual abuse can affect the physical as well as psychological well-being of the victims and survivors. It can also affect their family and intimate relationships, education, career, faith among other things.
To help children recover from such ordeals, parents, guardians and caregivers are advised to show them love, comfort them and help them see that are people they can entrust their fears with.
Secondly, the child needs to undergo a guiding and counseling therapy. He or she should be taken to a specialist so he/she can get help in dealing with emotional and psychological stress.
Furthermore, the child needs to know that it is not their fault that they had to undergo the abuse as many times as possible until they can actually believe that they are not to blame.
Show the child that you are determined to protect him/her at all cost to prevent such an ordeal from recurring.
Believe in the child. Some parents might not believe their children when they tell them that they have been abused. As a parent, make it a point to believe in your child and show them that you actually believe them.
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