How can you practically empower yourself, or the women and children you know, during this year’s 16 days of Activism? The Mail & Guardian‘s “HOW TO” guide will tackle a different area each day, including suing for maintenance, applying for a social grant and getting an interdict against an abusive partner.

We’ve all heard the sounds of a child screaming. But what do you do if you seriously suspected that your neighbour or relative’s child was being abused — or your child’s friend for that matter?

Child abuse is the mistreatment of a child by a person and can be physical, emotional, sexual or neglect — the most common. Sexual and physical abuse is generally the most shocking but emotional abuse can be more difficult to spot.

Signs of abuse

It’s tricky to know when to react and when the stay out of the situation. Cyber Parent advises that one sign, seen once or twice, does not necessarily mean anything. Keep watching before you jump to conclusions but once you are reasonably sure, be sure to take action. A culture of silence and “staying out of it” in South Africa means that too many children suffer in alone — often fatally.

Physical Abuse:

• Sores, burns, bruises on body
  
• A reluctance or vagueness about where these originated
  
• Bruises and burns are the most persistent physical symptoms.

Neglect

• Soiled diapers, dirty hair, unwashed clothes, body odor.
  
• Sometimes weight loss and lackluster skin and/or hair can indicate neglect, particularly in a proper or sufficient diet.

Emotional or Mental Abuse

This is harder to tell. Abused children often become quiet but that is not always a way to a sign. Lack of self-esteem is another way to tell but again, that does not mean children are abused.

Sexual Abuse