Did you know one in seven children will fall victim to sexual assault in Lebanon? Neither did we – until Himaya reached out to us to help promote their campaign to raise awareness about child abuse during the month of April.
The month of April marks the National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Himaya issued this very emotional video asking the community to help break the silence and put an end to child abuse. They are encouraging anyone who is a victim or knows of any child abuse to report it directly to Himaya.
Himaya is an organization that aims to promote an environment suitable for the grow of children and ensuring their protection by preventing abuse in Lebanon. This includes child labor, child prostitution, and child marriage which continue to exist in our society.
They aim to break the silence and offer children the life skills needed to defend themselves. They also support survivors of abuse and give them psychosocial support to help them overcome their experiences. They cover the majority of the Lebanese territory with offices in Mansourieh, Beirut, Baalbeck, Zahle, Zgharta, Halba and Sidon.
If you are a victim, know of anyone who is, or just want more info, call Himaya at 03 41 49 64 – Otherwise, share this article to help break the silence!
Types of Abuse
Himaya offers awareness sessions and protects children who are victims of four types of abuse:
Physical abuse is purposely hurting a child and causing injuries such as burns, cuts, bruises, or broken bones. Children who are victims of physical abuse suffer violence such as being hit, kicked, poisoned, burned, slapped, or having objects thrown at them. Shaking or hitting babies can cause Non-Accidental Head Injuries (NAHI).
Sometimes parents or caregivers make children sick by giving them meds they don’t need; this is known as fabricated or induced illness (FII). Physically abusing a child causes serious, and often long-lasting, harm – and in severe cases, even death.
Psychological abuse, sometimes called emotional abuse, is the ongoing emotional maltreatment or emotional neglect of a child. It involves deliberately trying to scare, humiliate a child, isolating or ignoring them and can seriously damage their emotional health and development.
Children are sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities. This doesn’t have to be physical contact, and it can happen online.
Sometimes the child won’t understand that what’s happening to them is abuse, they may not even understand that what is happening is wrong. If a child does not protest, it does not mean they are consenting – sexual acts with children are never consensual.
Neglect is the ongoing failure to meet a child’s basic needs. A child may be left hungry or dirty, without adequate clothing, shelter, supervision, medical, or health care. A child may be put in danger or not protected from physical or emotional harm.
A child who is neglected will often suffer from other abuse as well. Neglect is dangerous and can cause serious, long-term damage – even death.
If you are a victim, know of anyone who is or just want more info, call Himaya at 03 41 49 64
You can help these children by raising awareness and breaking the silence – share this article!
