Abuse of chronically ill children

A child who is chronically ill or disabled to some degree, weak and fragile, can easily fall victim to sexual abuse. An ill child is at high risk, for being so young, they don't entirely understand what is happening, and often unable to communicate what is actually going on. What makes these children in particular fall prey to what can become constant ongoing abuse lasting years, is the mere fact that the child is cloistered within the family due to ill health, and dose not lead a normal life interacting with other children and sometimes missing many days of schooling. Despite the fact that a child in this situation may be in and out of hospital on a regular basis because of the disease or disability which is taken care of, doctors so concerned about the issue at hand, often miss or overlook the tell-tale signs of an abused child. Even the school may not pick up on any odd behaviour, putting any peculiarities down to the child's health issues. Whether a child is suffering a chronic disease or mental illness, their symptoms are all that anyone sees or is concerned with. As harsh as this may sound, it is easy to happen, and sadly a child may endure years of suffering, until finally the nightmare comes to an end. If you are a caregiver of a child who is unwell, pay attention, don't miss the little signs, or dismiss a strange story that your child may be trying to convey. More than often the perpetrator is someone in the family or close by who has constant and easy access to the child and who also horrifyingly has your trust!

Have a look at my latest article on The Huffington Post. Have a good weekend, and take care of yourself.