"Stop Hitting Me" (Physical Abuse)

A number of our children are crying out as they experience severe physical abuse in the name of corporal punishment from parents/caregivers, and educators. Most times physical abuse is meted out to our children due to frustration. The child is being deliberately hurt by being:

• Hit, spit on or slap

• Punch, kick, pinch, bite

• Suffocate, burn, scald

• Pull by the hair

• Spit on, force to swallow things that hurts or make them sick

Children who experience physical abuse are usually depressed and experience panic attacks. They have low self-esteem (feel worthless), eating and sleeping abnormalities, and are withdrawn. No matter the reason to physically abuse a child is wrong.

The effects of physical abuse on society can be grave as these children will display behavioural problems and are at risk for mental illness, crime, and unemployment. Parents/caregivers and educators find a strategy to cope with your frustrations or life issues by seeing a psychologist instead of turning on the children.