Child trafficking
Protect the children! A guide to support those working and living with children affected by violence
How to protect children from violence and abuse
Authors:
E. Jareg; Save the Children Sweden Regional Office for South and Central Asia
Publisher:
Child Rights Information Network , 2008
Save the Children developed this book as part of a package of learning materials for child rights workers about relevant measures to protect children against violence. The book discusses the different forms of violence and how to identify these, and gives practical advice on how to act to promote the protection of children.
Areas covered include:
- Identifying signs of abuse and how to listen to the child and make them feel safe. These signs can be both physical and behavioural, and will differ depending on the child's gender, age and the nature of the abuse
- Taking action over the child's health in relation to the abuse, investigating the source of abuse and acting to stop this occurring again
- Ensuring children are protected, dealing with their possible agressive behaviour and identifying signs of recovery
- Knowing about child rights and child development, involving parents and the community and enabling children's participation in child protection systems and government consultations
- A closer look at violence against children, its perpetrators (both adults and other children) and the reasons they might use for justifying it. This section also takes a look at child exploitation and neglect
- The effects of violence experienced by children on their lives such as poor self-esteem, fear and anxiety, feeling different, shame and guilt
- Being aware of the risks of violence against children in emergencies such as natural disasters and conflict situations. Children may lose or be separated from their parents and are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Child refugees can grow up in poor conditions sometimes for a number of years and be exposed to violence in the home or community.
The book is aimed specifically at child protection and frontline workers – all those in direct contact with children – such as those working in health and social services, those working in shelter homes and in institutions, teachers, community members, and religious leaders. It may also be useful for those working with children engaged in child clubs and working with peer-to-peer support and adults, and child protection workers in emergency situations.
[Adapted from the author]
