Our programs
Prevention of Child Abuse
Child Abuse
Child abuse is a major community problem in Cameroon. It affects thousands of children each year in Cameroon. Children rely on adults to keep them safe and well. Every action counts, no matter how small.
Causes of child abuse
Community tolerance of violence against children. There is still some acceptance in the community for the use of physical force for the purposes of discipline and punishment of children. When held strongly by individual parents, these attitudes can support the physical and emotional abuse of children. This behaviour would not be tolerated between adults.
Lack of community understanding about the consequences of child abuse and neglect on children. Research has shown that the general public have a poor understanding of the true extent of the problem of child abuse in Australia. As a result, child abuse does not readily register as an issue of community concern. This leaves all of us without the knowledge and the confidence to know what to do to prevent child abuse in the first place or take action if we are worried about the safety of a child.
Adults who are sexually and physically violent. Some adults engage in physical and sexual violence towards other adults and children. This violence may often stem from individual psychological problems, low self esteem and a history of abuse and violence in their own childhood. Sex offenders hurt children because of a range of complex psychological and emotional problems.
Parents under stress. Child abuse can occur when parents experience stress and find it difficult to ask for or use support. Stress can be caused by unemployment, financial problems, divorce and separation. Parents under stress can sometimes transfer their feelings of frustration onto their children. The stress can also affect their judgement and decision making as a parent.
