Share

Everything you need to know about child abuse

accreditation

I wish we didn't need to talk about child abuse. I wish it just never happened. But it does and we need to speak about, read about it, inform ourselves, so we can help to protect every single child. 

Parent24 has dozens of articles that could help to identify if I child is being abused, and act in the best interests of the child. We also share moving stories of readers who themselves have been abused, in the hope that it could encourage other victims to seek help and spark compassion in bystanders.

#16Days of Storytelling

Heartlines is encouraging everyone to share their stories, create awareness and uplift each other.

16 Days of Activism
For every woman and child violently abused, there's an abuser.

Emergency numbers
Phone numbers to help in a medical emergency, poisoning, missing child and abuse situations.

How to spot child abuse and what to do:

How to recognise and report child abuse

If you know or suspects that a child is being physically or sexually abused, you have a legal and moral responsibility to report it.

Child abuse: you can help

Here’s what to do if you suspect a child might be being abused.

Parents, take note

Know the signs to look out for when your child is being abused.

How to know your child is being abused

Children of all ages are vulnerable to abuse. It's a horrible issue to have to confront, but here's why we all should.

What to do if you know someone who is being abused

Here is some helpful advice to assist someone you suspect may be a victim of domestic abuse. Family violence may be fatal, so it's vital to act, and act in the right way to support the victim.

What to do if you're being abused

If you are currently in an abusive situation, the following information could assist you. 

Spot a sexual abuser

A father, a teacher, an uncle – it could be anyone. How abuse happens is a scary process.

What kind of person hurts a child?

The idea of child abuse at a daycare centre fills me with murderous rage, says Sam Wilson.

Damaging our children

Abuse isn’t the only way to harm a child – neglect can be as destructive.

Is your child's teacher a pervert?

How to check if there's a paedophile working near your child in SA.

Childhood depression

Spot depression in children and know what to do.

How to report reckless parents

Unbuckled children in cars? Maniacs with a kid on a motorbike? Here's how to report bad parents.

Is crèche abuse on the rise?

There seem to be more and more stories of abuse in crèches. How safe is your child really?

How to help your abused child:

Helplines & support groups

We've compiled a list of helplines and support groups to support moms and children.

Children and trauma: when bad stuff happens

Just how much does trauma affect children, and what should we as parents do to help?

Supporting rape survivors

Sexual abuse and violence affects families and other relationships.

Child abuse at home

Children are being raped, murdered and abused by those they should be able to trust the most: Their families. What can be done?

Does your child need therapy?

Are your child’s fears and anxieties getting too much for him? It could be time to get some outside help. A psychologist advises.

Parenting against rape

Help sons (and other boys) become men who will never rape.

The dangers of peepees and winkies

Giving your child a funny name for his private parts could place him in danger.

Every kid can learn from this video on child abuse

Watch this cartoon designed to teach your child about the dangers of child abuse.


Research on the effects of abuse:

Childhood trauma affects adults

Researchers use 9 potentially negative childhood experiences to predict possible long-term negative effects.

Abused kids have sex earlier

Studies show that abused, maltreated kids have sex sooner.

Abuse health threat

Abused kids may grow up to have arthritis.

Abused Mom, sick baby

A Mom's past can be a deciding factor to her baby's health.

Violent and dysfunctional homes:

When an alcoholic is a parent

Growing up with an alcoholic father, Elizabeth Durand feels that alcoholics shouldn't be allowed to have kids.

Readers respond: 1 in 3 young South Africans sexually abused

This reader gives an opinion on the sexual abuse plaguing young South Africans.

1 in 3 young South Africans sexually abused

Recommendations to stop sexual assault of young people in South Africa.

Teenage suicide: What parents need to know

It's Teen Suicide Prevention Week from the 14-21 February and it's important for parents to keep an eye out for these signs.

Abusive discipline uncovered

If your punishments and disciplinary styles are making you feel guilty, you might be using an inappropriate method of parenting.

4 shocking facts about violence against children

More than half of SA's children have suffered physical abuse, according to a new report.

From good boys to better men

How we raise, and then separate from, our boys helps them develop security in their masculinity, which our ultraviolent society desperately needs. And it starts at a young age, with us parents. 

Grotesque real-life emoticons could save your child's life

New internet safety campaign may have you thinking twice about who is REALLY chatting to your child online.

‘Your sexual abuse stays within these walls’

What drives family members who cover up acts of sexual abuse?

Living in fear of molestation

Do parents panic too much about the possibility their kids will be molested?

Should child abusers have children?

Should abusers or murderers of children be banned from reproducing?

The year’s worst parents

The levels to which some parents stoop is no laughing matter. How can this horror happen every day to innocent children?

Readers share their stories:

"I was raped at the age of 5"

A Parent24 reader shares her traumatic experience of being sexually abused as a child.

"My daughter was raped!"

A reader shares every mother’s nightmare, the rape of her child.

"My father raped me"

Former beauty pageant star accuses her father of raping her as a child. [VIDEO]

"The scars of abuse"

6 years after her daughter's abuse, this mom is still worried about her.

"Abuse changes your life"

This reader shares about her life.

"Stop hurting the children"

Why do kids always have to bear the brunt of humanity’s worst side, asks a dad of two.

"I grew up with abuse"

'The violence in my childhood has left lasting effects,' says this mom of three.

"Abused for 22 years"

After having lived with abuse for so long it's hard to trust any man.

"Abuse in our home"

This reader shares his personal abuse story.

"My daughter was abused"

Abuse may make your eyes glaze over, but it’s different when it’s your kid.

"Living through abuse"

Our readers share their experiences with abuse.

"Stop the culture of abuse"

This reader tells of how childhood abuse has affected her adult relationships.

Would you like to share an experience, your thoughts or some advice? Email chatback@parent24.com and we may publish your response. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please let us know.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE