More than 7,000 cases of violence and abuse against children at home, at school or in the community were reported in the first quarter of this year, up almost 1,000 cases on the second quarter of the 2013-2014 school year, the Ministry of Education says in a communique. The persons close to the children, who witness this phenomenon, are urged not to remain indifferent. The adults are recommended to pay increased attention to the children so as to help them cope with the difficulties they face.
According to the Ministry’s data, over 3,000 of the recorded cases refer to physical violence, while about 2,000 are cases of emotional violence. There were also reported cases of negligence, labor exploitation, sexual abuse and trafficking in persons. Minister of Education Maia Sandu said the teachers who allow using violence against children will continue to be penalized.
Contacted by IPN, Doctor of Psychology Anna Gavriliuc said that the shouting, insults and slaps are often perceived as a norm and, when such cases happen, the problem is not reported. In the case of domestic violence or use of violence at school or in the community, the people witnessing this phenomenon should react, but society is not yet ready to intervene as these cases are perceives as private affairs.
The psychologist explained that the adults often resort to violence when they feel that they cannot control the child and this does not fulfill their demands. In order to achieve their goals, the parents or the teachers shout or even hit the child instead of convincing this to do one thing or another. The abuse against the child can have serious consequences. When they are small, the children say they will not use such methods against their own children, but they also use violence against their children when they grow older, considering this a norm.
Anna Gavriliuc said the grownups should pay special attention to the TV programs and games chosen by the child. These often have a negative impact on the behavior and the acts of violence in this case can be aimed at a mate. The parents and teachers should discuss with and listen to the children, follow their behavior and moods so as to detect the existing problems. In such cases, a specialist should be consulted at the education institutions or outside them.
