Family members who hug, play, tickle
The Uganda police have tipped parents and guardians to be keen on family friends and relatives too close to children. As children break off for a three week holiday, there is concern that cases of sexual child abuse and violence may increase.
Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says parents must look out for their children and advise them on openness and how intimate they get with people.
While addressing the media on Monday in Naguru, Enanga said 92 percent of children are abused by persons close to them and trusted by the family. He says parents should be able to discuss boundaries unrealistic favours and sharing adult content with children.
“Some may want to hug your child, play, tickle and have your child sit on their lap. Empower your children to say NO to unwanted touches, pictures, favours by adults or other children, Be sure to tell your child how other children may do things that are inappropriate or safe. The truth is that 90% of children are sexually abused by someone they and the family knows well, and 70% by a family member”He said
Enanga has advised parents to be attentive to signs of child abuse in children noting that many times, adults disregard feelings from children, especially when a family member or trusted friend is accused by the child-victim. He tells parents to encourage openness in children to avoid secrets.
Family members who hug, play, tickle
“Secrets are often the way abusers keep children silent. Claiming it’s their little secret. Explain to children that secrets are usually about something unsafe or bad. Remind your child that if anyone, an adult or another child, ever asks them to keep a secret, they should tell your or a safe adult right away.” He says
Enanga says parents must learn to limit one-on-one situations between children and other adult and create a two-way communication, where a child feels like they can ask questions.
“About 80% of sexual abuse occurs in one adult-one child situations. Therefore, eliminate or minimize the situations, to help protect your child. One-on-one time between children can also provide an opportunity for inappropriate behaviors. Parents must ensure the environment and the relationship is conducive to this happening.” He says
According to the annual crime police report 2020, 14,230 girls were defiled in Uganda a 3.8% increase from the 13613 reported in the year 2019.
According to the report, Katwe Police Division in Kampala at 252 registered the highest number of defilement cases followed by Kamuli at 236, Mbale(230),Buyende(207),Mukono(193), Tororo(188), Buikwe(186), Kiryandongo(185) and Luweero(174) as the top ten districts.
According to the report, 1519 women were reported in the year 2020, a 0.5% increase from 1528 , a number registered in the year 2019.
Compiled by Minah Nalule
