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.
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.
Here’s what to do if you suspect a child might be being abused.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There seem to be more and more stories of abuse in crèches. How safe is your child really?
How to help your abused child:
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?
Sexual abuse and violence affects families and other relationships.
Children are being raped, murdered and abused by those they should be able to trust the most: Their families. What can be done?
Are your child’s fears and anxieties getting too much for him? It could be time to get some outside help. A psychologist advises.
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.
Studies show that abused, maltreated kids have sex sooner.
Abused kids may grow up to have arthritis.
A Mom's past can be a deciding factor to her baby's health.
Violent and dysfunctional homes:
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.
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.
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?
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 levels to which some parents stoop is no laughing matter. How can this horror happen every day to innocent children?
Readers share their stories:
A Parent24 reader shares her traumatic experience of being sexually abused as a child.
A reader shares every mother’s nightmare, the rape of her child.
Former beauty pageant star accuses her father of raping her as a child. [VIDEO]
6 years after her daughter's abuse, this mom is still worried about her.
This reader shares about her life.
Why do kids always have to bear the brunt of humanity’s worst side, asks a dad of two.
'The violence in my childhood has left lasting effects,' says this mom of three.
After having lived with abuse for so long it's hard to trust any man.
This reader shares his personal abuse story.
Abuse may make your eyes glaze over, but it’s different when it’s your kid.
Our readers share their experiences with abuse.
This reader tells of how childhood abuse has affected her adult relationships.