PRESS RELEASE
AWARENESS OF CHILD DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALEX PEACE-MAKING AND SOCIAL COHESION PROJECT – Press Release
27 March 2023, Johannesburg – Screening by Khulisa for children by caregiver-participants from 53 early childhood development (ECD) centres in Alexandra was done through a questionnaire focussing on behavioural changes, social and physical development, personality, and general health of children that may be concerning or possible indicators of domestic child abuse.
Observations from Caregivers
Mostly boy children between the ages of 4 to 6 years present with aggressive and violent behaviour. With some children, caregivers allude they may need professional examination as they suspect the children have disorders and/or anger issues. Caregivers observed that most children have difficulties with learning and speech, and usually sleep excessively and/or isolate, especially boys from 4 to 6 years. Dramatic changes to children’s behaviour at respective ECD centres, from being extremely quiet and withdrawn to aggressive and disruptive was noted between the ages 1 to 5 years. Tired children are mostly 2 years of age, who throw tantrums before they sleep, sleep excessively, and sleepwalk. Half of the caregivers interviewed mentioned that some children present with unresponsive behaviour, being clingy and anxious, significantly quiet and have low self-esteem, boys more than girls.
Discussion
Findings show that caregivers observed most children to be demonstrating difficulties with respect to learning, appear to be clingy, anxious, unresponsive, significantly quiet and present with low self-esteem, and behave aggressively. Some caregivers highlight they brought the behavioural concerns observed to parents’ attention without avail regarding the information shared. They mention that parents usually seem surprised and respond by alluding that children behave quite differently and show no concerns at home. Caregivers also state that children may be going through direct or indirect traumatic experiences from home, this may include various forms of abuse such as witnessing violent and/or aggressive behaviour from parents or elders. As a result, this may negatively impact the children’s behaviour, development, and personality in various ways; as some present with extreme withdrawal and isolation symptoms while others show signs of anger, act violently and aggressively towards their peers.
Recommendations by Caregivers
- Children get examined accordingly by professionals to receive necessary assistance and support.
- Caregivers should receive proper training, skills, and information to identify and respond accordingly to cases of child domestic violence at their centres, in contrast to their current utilisation of personal discretion and judgement.
- Every early childhood development centre should work closely with community social workers and local clinics to enable caregivers to refer cases that may involve indicators of child domestic violence.
Conclusion
It is evident that caregivers have concerns with regards to the behaviour and the holistic development of children in most early childhood development centres, which may potentially be indicators of child domestic violence. In response to the findings herein, it would be of paramount significance that necessary measures, as per recommendations, be taken.
Limitations of the Findings
The symptoms are possible indicators of domestic violence, but it would be bias to assume that there is no other explanation(s) for the behaviour. Either way, the symptoms raise a red flag for the risk to the child’s mental health and/or the development of a mental disorder(s). Although the occurrence and prevention of domestic violence must be addressed, it is imperative that the children be assessed and treated for possible mental health conditions as a result thereof. The child’s behaviour, as reported, displayed possible symptoms of the following disorders, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association, 5th edition):
Discussion
Findings show that caregivers observed most children to be demonstrating difficulties with respect to learning, appear to be clingy, anxious, unresponsive, significantly quiet and present with low self-esteem, and behave aggressively. Some caregivers highlight they brought the behavioural concerns observed to parents’ attention without avail regarding the information shared. They mention that parents usually seem surprised and respond by alluding that children behave quite differently and show no concerns at home. Caregivers also state that children may be going through direct or indirect traumatic experiences from home, this may include various forms of abuse such as witnessing violent and/or aggressive behaviour from parents or elders. As a result, this may negatively impact the children’s behaviour, development, and personality in various ways; as some present with extreme withdrawal and isolation symptoms while others show signs of anger, act violently and aggressively towards their peers.
Recommendations by Caregivers
- Children get examined accordingly by professionals to receive necessary assistance and support.
- Caregivers should receive proper training, skills, and information to identify and respond accordingly to cases of child domestic violence at their centres, in contrast to their current utilisation of personal discretion and judgement.
- Every early childhood development centre should work closely with community social workers and local clinics to enable caregivers to refer cases that may involve indicators of child domestic violence.
Conclusion
It is evident that caregivers have concerns with regards to the behaviour and the holistic development of children in most early childhood development centres, which may potentially be indicators of child domestic violence. In response to the findings herein, it would be of paramount significance that necessary measures, as per recommendations, be taken.
Limitations of the Findings
The symptoms are possible indicators of domestic violence, but it would be bias to assume that there is no other explanation(s) for the behaviour. Either way, the symptoms raise a red flag for the risk to the child’s mental health and/or the development of a mental disorder(s). Although the occurrence and prevention of domestic violence must be addressed, it is imperative that the children be assessed and treated for possible mental health conditions as a result thereof. The child’s behaviour, as reported, displayed possible symptoms of the following disorders, as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association, 5th edition):
About us
Khulisa Social Solutions is a non-profit company that helps vulnerable children, youth and communities unlock their potential and develop skills toward a sustainable future.
It operates nationally, employs over 180 staff through 16 offices, and works in approximately 150 communities in collaboration with 350 NGO partners, impacting the lives of close to 200,000 people per annum.
Khulisa partners with national and local government departments, schools, correctional facilities, community leaders, corporates, thought leaders, academic institutions, and private companies. Khulisa’s internationally acclaimed and locally rewarded best practice programs deliver positive and measurable impact with the main focus on youth and community development.
For more information, contact
Lesley Ann Van Selm | 082 601 2299 | lesleyann@khulisa.org.za | media@khulisa.org.za