wht is the meaning of safeguarding children

The referrals usually take place at a point when the situation has escalated and become visible outside the family. The other children may have been drawn in by the adults to view the child as “different” and may have been encouraged to participate in the adult activities.Ĭoncerns reported in the cases known from research usually involve children aged 2 to 14, both boys and girls, and have generally been reported through schools or non-governmental organisations. The attempt to “exorcise” may involve severe beating, burning, starvation, cutting or stabbing and isolation, and usually occurs in the household where the child lives.Īny siblings or other children in the household may be well cared for with all their needs met by the parents and carers.

These include family stress and/or a change in the family structure. There are various social reasons that make a child more vulnerable to an accusation of “possession” or “witchcraft”. There is often a weak bond of attachment between the carer and the child. Such abuse generally occurs when a carer views a child as being “different”, attributes this difference to the child being “possessed” or involved in “witchcraft” and attempts to exorcise him or her.Ī child could be viewed as “different” for a variety of reasons such as, disobedience independence bed-wetting nightmares illness or disability. The number of known cases of child abuse linked to accusations of “possession” or “witchcraft” is small, but children involved can suffer damage to their physical and mental health, their capacity to learn, their ability to form relationships and to their self-esteem. Where the concerns relate to a number of children, consideration should be given to whether the Complex (Organised or Multiple) Abuse Procedure – to follow should be implemented. The definition, which is commonly accepted across faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and the public sector, is the term ‘possession by evil spirits’ or ‘witchcraft’.Īny concerns about a child which arise in this context must be taken seriously.

It is not confined to particular countries, cultures or religions, nor is it confined to new immigrant communities in this country. The belief in “possession or “witchcraft” is widespread.

6.1 Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spirit PossessionĦ.1 Safeguarding Children from Abuse Linked to a Belief in Spir it Possession

Wht is the meaning of safeguarding children