I often compare children in Canada with those from developing countries in other parts of the world. These programs on television are often shown by charitable organizations appealing for supporters for their work. In these programs one will see children digging in garbage dumps for food or for anything like bottles or empty cans that they can sell. Some of them sit in front of their huts waiting for people who might give them something to eat. Often, these are orphans whose parents had died. They live on their own dependent on the kindness of neighbors and anybody who notices their indigent life. Many of them do not go to school. The elder ones take care of the younger. It is a very sad life.
Children in Canada, generally are well taken care of. There is a very good system of free education for the children. They have adequate homes and enough food. Children from middle, upper-middle and well-to-do families usually attend activities like skating, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, swimming and ballet. And yet many children can not afford those activities with parents earning minimum wage. Some community centres offer free after-school activities that these children can attend.
Some children here in Canada go to schools with their house keys hanging around their necks. These children have both parents working to make both ends meet. Their offsprings go home from school with no adults to look after them for a few hours.
Then there are those children who go to school in the morning without breakfast. The parents are either out, early to work or are still asleep with a hang-over. Some schools have breakfast programs for such children.
In Native communities, cases of juvenile suicides are often heard of. Young girls also disappear without trace or are found murdered.
There are also children who are victims of domestic violence. They may not have been physically hurt. Most of the time in domestic violence, the object of the father’s aggression is the mother. The violence, however leaves the children emotionally and mentally disabled. The mother’s ability to take care of the children is diminished. In some cases, older offsprings assume the responsibility of mothering the younger children
It is sad that the aforementioned situations take place in this country which is often referred to as the land of milk and honey. These are forms of child abuse. They can be prevented and controlled. There are also other forms of child abuse that are even more serious like child pornography and sexual abuse.
The Ontario Government is quite aware of the existence of child abuse and has taken steps to prevent and control them. Children Aid Societies have been created with the responsibility of protecting children from harm. These government agencies provide critical and essential services to the most vulnerable children of the communities like child protection, family support, public adoption and referrals to other community services.
One of the most important aspects in the prevention and control of child abuse is raising awareness of everyone on the harm that impacts children emotionally, mentally and physically which often have long lasting effects on individuals and can hinder healthy progress to adulthood. Children Aid Societies are already performing this task but their efforts can be bolstered with the cooperation of everyone in the communities—individuals, organizations that are civic, educational, political, religious, sports and the media.
October is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Everybody is appealed to, in raising awareness for Child Abuse Prevention. BALITA is joining in this project in engaging the public, the media and families to protect our children from child abuse and neglect.
How can we assist in increasing awareness in child abuse prevention? Here are some of the ways:
Obtain a copy of the Child Abuse Prevention Brochure from the Children’s Aid Society office in your community. It features information on the signs and types of abuse, what happens when you call Children’s Aid and the role of Ontarians in protecting children and youth.
Be a connection to the work of Children’s Aid with the community for the welfare of children and families by introducing the work Children’s Aid does.
Obtain a copy of Protecting Ontario’s Children, which speaks of
Why this campaign is needed
Why we need to raise awareness of child abuse prevention in the community and
The information that should be shared the public
It is our duty to report suspected child abuse and neglect and help protect children from harm. This is a step that needs know-how. The Children’s Aid Society has information on how to do this duty.
REMEMBER: Our children is the hope of our Mother Land. On their shoulders rest the future’s growth and progress. Let us not let them get disabled physically, mentally and emotionally. KEEP THEM SAFE !!
Rosalina E. Bustamante
October 12, 2014