Level one Training
Handling of Violence and Abuse Against Children
Course overview:
Children who are abused and neglected have an increased risk of severe mental and physical health problems, post-traumatic stress disorder. They could demonstrate a wide range of psychological difficulties that may include: depression, anxiety, sexually inappropriate behaviors, anger and hostility, poor self-esteem, suicidal ideation and behavior problems. Physical, sexual or emotional abuse can cause several problems in the physical and emotional development of the child. The effects of abuse can vary from child to child, depending upon the severity and frequency of abuse, age of the child, child’s relationship with the abuser, availability of emotional support and the child’s capacity to cope. This course is designed to equip counsellors and other personnel working in different settings (hospitals, the police, CSOs, law enforcement bodies, etc.) who are tasked to handle cases of abuse against children to acquire skills necessary to render appropriate services to children and their care givers without causing further harm. It will particularly focus on handling issues related to discloser, responding to grief and trauma, medical and psychological support, legal measures, family therapy and succession planning.
Major topics to be covered include:
- Forms and causes of violence and abuse against children
- Safeguarding standards for preventing violence and abuse against children
- Attitude of caregivers: correct/adequate reactions to have in responding to an abuse disclosure
- Basics of counselling and psychosocial support
- Skills necessary to build resiliency and coping mechanisms among violated children and their caregivers
- Risks/punishments/consequences an abuser will incur in
- Positive versus negative communication with violated children
- Risks faced by children with special needs and forms of protection
- Legal and policy framework for the prevention of violence and abuse against children
- Steps to be taken to reduce/prevent the incidence of violence and abuse against children
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:
- Have a better understanding of the different forms and causes of violence against children
- Employ useful methods for encouraging disclosure of violence and/or abuse among children
- Assess outcomes of psychological support rendered to violated children