Towards stemming the tide of child abuse in the country, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has developed an online course to empower parents and guardians with relevant knowledge on child abuse and related issues.
This initiative, according to the state agency, serves as a preventive tool to help parents protect their children from various forms of abuse, including physical and sexual abuse, bullying, and more.
In a statement signed by Head, Public Affairs Unit, Lagos DSVA, Adejoke Ladenegan-Oginni, made available to Pharmanewsonline, it was disclosed that the virtual training will be led by seasoned experts in child safeguarding and protection.
She said the course will also cover crucial topics such as understanding child rights, bullying and peer violence, challenging behavior, positive discipline, and handling disclosure of abuse.
With 6 in 10 under 5 years of age children regularly suffering abuse, the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines child maltreatment as the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age. It includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.
The apex global health agency highlighted consequences of child maltreatment to include impaired lifelong physical and mental health, while the social and occupational outcomes can ultimately slow a country’s economic and social development.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) further affirmed the WHO’s postulation on child abuse, describing it as violence against children, which takes many forms. It could be physical, emotional or sexual. It happens in every country and any setting – in a child’s home, school or online. And for many girls and boys, violence comes at the hands of the people they trust most.
It emphasised the consequences on children, stating that those who have been severely abused suffer significant learning difficulties, low self-esteem and depression that can lead to self-harm. In early childhood, toxic stress associated with violence can permanently impair brain development and damage other parts of the nervous system.
According to the Public Affairs Head, Lagos DSVA, Ladenegan-Oginni, participants of the online training will also gain insights into the socio-cultural factors influencing child protection in Nigeria. Parents and guardians are encouraged to take this free course at https://course.safeguardingchildren.org.ng/courses/.
She said over 14,000 teachers, guidance counsellors, and first responders have successfully completed the courses on child safeguarding and protection, which have enhanced their understanding of child safeguarding, reporting pathways, and how to effectively handle disclosures of abuse.
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