Suspected Child abuse of an infant to the point of death by the father-need for enforcing protection Acts for Nigerian children
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Date
2017
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
by College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Abstract
Child abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury,
death, or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect,
physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, and emotional abuse. It is a common phenomenon that can
be easily missed by the health workers, thus it has a potential of becoming perpetuated. Some are
characterized by tell-tale signs that give the diagnosis away very easily while some are not. It is generally
acceptable in several African cultural settings for a parent or caregiver to “discipline” his or her child or
ward by spanking or by any other physical measures than 'spare the rod and spoil the child'
Case of an eleven-month old female child who was assaulted by her father while 'disciplining her' with
resultant fatal outcome was reviewed. A review of some of the United Nations Articles and Acts on
protection of the child and the merits or otherwise in the context of our cultural practice are highlighted.
An eleven-month old female child recuperating from a febrile illness was physically
abused by her father with resultant massive subdural haemorrhage only discovered at post mortem.
The child was killed probably by the rage and over reaction of the father in attempt to discipline her.
Protection Articles and Acts in the Nigerian Constitution and indeed those of other developing
countries should be emphasized and enforced, given better publicity to reduce the magnitude of child abuse.
Description
Keywords
Child Abuse;, Children, Maltreatment