Introduction: Violence against children is a grave concern globally, encompassing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable, with both genders at risk, although girls face a higher vulnerability to sexual abuse.

Key Facts (according to World Health Organization):

  • Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year.
  • Violence in childhood impacts lifelong health and well-being.
  • Evidence shows that violence against children can be prevented.

Source: : World Health Organization

Teaching children the No Go Tell Safety Rule—encouraging them to say "No" to unwanted touch, "Go" to a safe place, and "Tell" a trusted adult about their experiences—is a vital prevention strategy. This approach empowers children to recognize and respond to unsafe situations, significantly reducing their vulnerability to abuse. Additionally, it's crucial for adults to support this empowerment by creating a safe environment for open discussions and seeking professional help when abuse is suspected, thereby safeguarding children's health and well-being.

Impact Sign of Child Sexual Abuse: Child sexual abuse has profound short-term and long-term effects on children’s well-being. Children, especially those abused by trusted individuals like relatives, teachers, and family members, may exhibit various signs. These include:

  • Unusual interest or avoidance of sexual matters
  • Sleep problems, nightmares
  • Depression, withdrawal
  • Seductiveness
  • Statements about body dirtiness or damage
  • Refusal to attend school
  • Poor focus and concentration
  • Delinquency, conduct problems
  • Secretiveness
  • Aspects of sexual molestation in drawings, games, fantasies
  • Unusual aggressiveness
  • Self-harm, suicidal behavior

Source: : American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Personal Safety Skills: To prevent or reduce the likelihood of sexual abuse, parents and caregivers can teach children:

1.Understanding Feelings:

    • Help your child learn the words for how they feel, like sad, happy, or scared. Talk about what makes them feel each way.
    • Encourage your child to trust their feelings when they do not feel safe.

2.Early Warning Signs:

    • Educate children on how their bodies react in stressful or unsafe situations such as physical sensations like a fast heartbeat, butterflies in the stomach, or sweaty palms, red cheeks, goose bumps.

3.Body Parts and Ownership:

    • Teach correct names of public and private body parts. The public parts of your body, e.g. your head, hands and feet, can be seen by other people. The private parts of your body are the parts of your body covered by your bathers. Your mouth is also a private zone.
    • Let the children understand that their bodies belong to them.

4.Types of Touch/Rules About Touch:

    • Educate about different types of touch and establish rules.
    • Encourage your child to say ‘NO’ or ‘STOP’ if they feel uncomfortable or confused about a touch.

5.Teach No, Go, Tell Safety Strategy to children:

The No Go Tell rule is a safety rule are to use when children feel unsafe. It is simple to remember, easy to understand, and fun to reinforce, making it an ideal tool to help children keep themselves safe. The rule can be used in any situation where a child identifies that someone is making them feel unsafe, whether it be a stranger or someone they know. Parents are encouraged to practice these steps with their children:

    • No: Encourage saying "No" in a loud and strong voice:

Encouraging children to use their words to express discomfort is the first step in the Safety Steps. Teaching them to say "No" assertively helps build their confidence in setting boundaries.

    • Go: Teach them to go to a safe place.

The second step involves empowering children to remove themselves from the situation.

    • Tell: Encourage telling a trusted adult until feeling safe and supported.

The final step emphasizes the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult as soon as possible. Encouraging children to identify several resources or support people they could confide in creates a network of safety around them. This step ensures that children understand they don't have to face unsafe situations alone.

NoGoTell Eng_Boy.pngNoGoTell Eng_Girl.png

Source: PACES Connection, CAPS

Protective Behaviours Parent Resource (Caversham Primary School, Western Australia)

Supporting Assertiveness and Communication: Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in helping children assert themselves and understand the importance of consent. Regular discussions about personal safety, integrated into daily routines, can reinforce safety skills.

Responding to Disclosure: If abuse is suspected or additional support is needed, seek help from relevant support services.

 

Child Protection Services in Thailand:

  • One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC): Tel. 1300

The One Stop Crisis Centre responds to and prevents violence against women and children and is administered by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The crisis centers receive complaints, transfer cases and coordinate responses between Government agencies.Tel. 1300

 

  • Childline Thailand: Call: 1387 (within Thailand), Ph (+66) 02 623 3814, Email: info@childlinethailand.org

Website: Childline website

The Childline Thailand call center, located in Bangkok, handles every phone call from all over the country. Staff in the call center are ready to take phone calls and respond to online messages 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – just like any other emergency support service.

Offering services including Emergency legal aid, Emergency protection and care, Mental health support.