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CHILD PROTECTION POLICY


Physical Abuse
Where adults physically hurt or injure children by hitting, shaking, squeezing, burning or biting, or by giving children alcohol, inappropriate drugs or poison. Attempted suffocation or drowning also comes within this category. In sports situations, physical abuse may occur when the nature and the intensity of training exceed the capacity of the child's immature and growing body.
Sexual Abuse
Girls and boys are abused by adults - both males and females- who use children to meet their own sexual needs. This could include full sexual intercourse, masturbation, oral sex, anal intercourse and fondling. Showing children pornographic material (books, videos, pictures) is also a form os sexual abuse. Sports that involve physical contact with children could possibly create situations where sexual abuse may go unnoticed. The power of the coach over the very young performers, if misused, may also lead to abusive situations developing.
Emotional Abuse
Persistent lack of love and affection, where a child may be constantly shouted at, threatened or taunted, which may make the child very nervous or withdraw. Emotional abuse may also occur when there is constant over protection (which prevents the child from socialising), or there is neglect, physical or sexual abuse. Emotional abuse in sport may occur if children are subjected to constant criticism, bullying or unrealistic pressure to perform to high expectations consistently.

4 THE EFFECTS OF ABUSE

Abuse in all its forms can affect a child at any age. The effects can be so damaging that, if untreated, may follow an individual into adulthood. For example, an adult who has been abused as a child may find it difficult or impossible to maintain a stable trusting relationship, become involved with drugs or prostitution, attempt suicide or even abuse a child in the future.

There have been a number of studies which suggest that children with disabilities are at increased risk of abuse through various factors such as stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, isolation and a powerlessness to protect themselves, or adequately communicate that abuse has occurred. Children from ethnic minorities, who may also be experiencing racial discrimination, may be double powerless.

5 RESPONDING TO THE CHILD

If a child says or indicates that they are being abused, or information is obtained which gives concern that a child is being abused, the person receiving the information should listen carefully and:

  • React calmly so as not to frighten the child.
  • · Tell the child they are not to blame and that it was right to tell.
  • · Don't ask direct questions - who, what, where, when.
  • · Do encourage them to talk - do you want to talk to me about this?
  • · Take what the child says seriously, recognising the difficulties inherent in interpreting what a child who has a speech disability and /or differences in languages says.
  • · Keep questions to an absolute minimum to ensure a clear and accurate understanding of what has been said.
  • · Keep calm and even if you find what they are saying difficult or painful keep listening.
  • · Reassure the child but do not make promises of confidentiality, which may not be feasible in the light of subsequent developments.
  • · Make a full record of what has been said, heard and/or seen as soon as possible.
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