Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

The Abuse of Children

Handout 3 - Module 1 Topic 4

Child abuse is a violation of a child’s rights and takes many forms:

 Physical abuse

When a child’s body is injured through punching, hitting,

beating, shaking, biting, child sacrifice, burning or any other

harmful actions. Physical abuse often manifests as bruises,

swellings and broken bones.

 Emotional abuse

When a child’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of worth

is destroyed by someone’s behaviour towards the child.

It includes constant criticism, belittling, blaming, withdrawals of

affection, ignoring, excessive teasing and nicknaming children

who are infected with HIV/AIDS.

 Child neglect

Failure to provide a child with basic needs such as food, shelter,

clothing, hygiene, education, adequate supervision, medical and

dental care, love and affection, and other necessities of life.

 Child labour

Refers to work which is hazardous and jeopardises the health,

safety and morals of a child. Examples of work dangerous to

children include: - Domestic service by children

• Commercial sex exploitation


• Children in self-employment on the streets


• Children in commercial agriculture.

 Sexual abuse

Refers to an adult involving a child in sexual activity. Sexual

abuse includes sexual suggestions, exhibitionism, inappropriate

touching of the private parts of a child, masturbation, oral sex

and rape. Sexual abuse also refers to incest, sexual harassment

and forced early marriage.

(^308) Appendix 1, Handouts Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children