Confronting Child Abuse in Our Society
By Obagbinoko Oghenetejiri Priscilla
Child abuse is one of humanity’s darkest sins, a pervasive epidemic devastating millions of children worldwide. It takes many forms: physical and emotional harm, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and forced labour. These horrific acts strip children of their innocence, safety, and trust, leaving behind scars too deep to heal with time.
What kind of society allows its most vulnerable members to suffer in silence? Society often prides itself on progress, on its ability to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice. Yet, beneath this facade, a haunting truth countless children suffer in silence. The cries of abused children are often drowned out by indifference and ignorance, leaving them defenseless in the face of violence and neglect.
In Nigeria, abuse in all its forms is a daily reality for many children, and only a fraction ever receive help. The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN), estimates that six out of ten children experience some form of abuse before the age of 18. One in four girls and 10% of boys have been victims of sexual abuse. Yet, of those who reported violence, fewer than five out of 100 received any form of support.
The devastating consequences of child abuse cannot be fully addressed without confronting the deep-rooted cultural norms and systemic failures that enable harmful practices like child marriage. A UNICEF report reveals that in Nigeria, child marriage remains alarmingly prevalent, with 44% of girls married before the age of 18. This translates to over 24 million child brides, placing Nigeria among the top three countries globally with high incidence of child marriages. While recent data suggests a decline in national prevalence from 44% to 30%, progress remains slow and uneven, disproportionately affecting girls from the poorest households, rural communities, and those with little or no education. These disparities underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to challenge harmful traditions, promote education, and enforce protective laws that break the cycle of abuse.
The cycle of harm does not end with child marriage. Another deeply entrenched practice that violates the rights of girls is female genital mutilation (FGM). According to a 2024 UNICEF report, over 230 million girls and women worldwide have undergone FGM – a 15 per cent increase, or 30 million more girls and women, compared to the data released eight years ago. The largest share of the global burden is found in African countries, with over 144 million cases. UNICEF had reported earlier in 2022 that Nigeria ranks third globally in the number of women and girls who have undergone FGM, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors.
Another form of child abuse that has been normalized, is child labor. The Nigerian child labor survey that was carried out in 2022 by the National Bureau of Statistics, estimated that over 39% of children aged five to seventeen in Nigeria, were child workers. Instead of being in school, many children are forced to work on the streets, ‘hustling’ to support their families. Often, their parents or guardians, lacking education themselves, fail to appreciate the importance of schooling. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and lost potential, robbing children of their futures.
The effects of child abuse extend far beyond childhood. Survivors often struggle with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression well into adulthood. Some become trapped in a cycle of abuse, inflicting the same pain on others that they once endured.
Child abuse persists due to poverty, cultural norms, lack of education, and weak enforcement of child protection laws. In many cases, the line between discipline and abuse has been blurred, if not erased entirely. Systemic failures—including inadequate social services and poorly trained law enforcement—further embolden perpetrators.
Ending child abuse is a monumental task, but it is not impossible. It begins with education. As Malcolm Forbes once said, “Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one.” Parents, caregivers, and communities must be taught alternative discipline methods that do not involve violence. Schools must educate children about consent, personal boundaries, and how to recognize and report abuse.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have been at the forefront of child protection efforts. They have played a crucial role in advocating for stronger legal frameworks, providing safe shelters, and offering psychological support to survivors. International bodies like UNICEF have spearheaded global campaigns, while local CSOs have worked tirelessly to rescue children from harmful situations and reintegrate them into society. However, despite their commendable efforts, gaps remain. Many grassroots organizations struggle with inadequate funding, while bureaucratic challenges hinder their ability to respond swiftly.
There is a pressing need for stronger partnerships between CSOs, governments, and the private sector to enhance resources, expand outreach, and drive systemic change.
The government has put laws in place for child abuse in the Child Rights Act of 2003. The Child Rights Act guarantees the rights of all children in Nigeria. So far 24 out of 36 states of Nigeria have adopted the CRA as a state law. the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 is also applicable to not particularly for children, it offers protection for all persons including children. Through the implementation of these laws both at national and state level, referral centers have been established to handle such cases. However, the government should also prioritize child protection by strengthening these laws and ensuring their strict enforcement. This includes proposing harsher penalties for offenders and creating safe spaces where children can report abuse without fear of retaliation. Organizations and NGOs working to eradicate child abuse need more funding and support to reach vulnerable populations.
Communities also play a critical role. The old adage “It takes a village to raise a child” has never been more relevant. Too often, neighbours, teachers, and even relatives turn a blind eye to child abuse. This culture of silence must end. Child abuse is a societal issue that demands collective action.
As individuals, we must confront our biases and speak up when we suspect abuse. We must offer support to victims and, most importantly, listen to children. Giving them a voice and validating their experiences is the first step toward healing and justice.
Child abuse is not just a tragedy for its victims—it is a failure of society as a whole. Every time we turn a blind eye to abuse, we enable it. But every time we act, we take a step closer to ending this silent epidemic. Children deserve to grow up in a world where they feel safe, loved, and valued. If we are to call ourselves a compassionate and just society, the time to confront this crisis is now.
Obagbinoko Oghenetejiri Priscilla is a Youth Corper serving with the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ)