Child Abuse when silence is NOT golden by Dr. Mariam Amla

Child Abuse: An ugly phrase that makes your insides twist into knots.

Childhood Sexual Abuse: A phrase that makes your skin crawl and makes you feel sick.

Instinctively, you may want to bury your head in the sand and sweep this difficult topic under the rug. Don’t!

Don’t shy away believing it won’t affect you or your children. Don’t believe that paedophiles live in another city far away. Don’t believe that these paedophiles cannot be your neighbour, your family relative or your friend. 

It’s time to change the silent, apathetic landscape to one that has open and active communication. Let’s LEARN how to protect our children.

Are you aware that in South Africa, 1 in 3 children have experienced some form of sexual abuse? Do you believe that your ethnicity, religion or wealth can immunise you against this monster?

Think again!

This heinous crime happens in every community.

An example of the prevalence of sexual abuse against children is, when sitting at a table of 8 intelligent and strong women: each one of them has either been a victim, or is a close relative of one. We know of the rampant statistics and often read about the terrible incidents in the media. Yet… the sad, scary reality is that most cases go unreported. 

Why, you may ask? The reason is that as a society, we have failed these victims on so many levels. The few that speak out, are often isolated or muzzled by their own families. There is an ingrained fear of upsetting the apple cart. 

Over the next few weeks, we will unravel this difficult subject, learn about ways to support our loved ones who have been hurt, and prevent such atrocities in our own homes and families.

Dr. Mariam Amla MBBch(Wits)-  is a General Practitioner with 10 years of experience in private practice. She has a special interest in women’s health, children’s health, integrative and complementary medicine, as well as cupping (wet and dry).

She is passionate about preventive medicine, holistic treatment, continuity of care and ongoing health education. Her focus is not only on treating diseases but on achieving optimal health for the mind, body and soul.

Based in Musgrave , Durban
To schedule an appointment or online session – Call or whatsapp 081 005 3990
Email: drmariamamla@gmail.com

May Allah protect all our children from all these heinous crimes and keep them safe always.

Tags: Child sexual abuse, featured