The psychologist, family therapist and president of the United for Children Foundation, Jenni Barb, addressed the issue of child abuse prevention, indicating that the statistics of these cases are alarming.
Initially, he pointed out that we cannot let the child’s body be touched, not even with a show of affection, “because the message we would be giving is that it has to be touched.” At the same time, she pointed out that it is important for parents to allow children to express themselves spontaneously and to decide how they should greet.
He stressed that all abuse leaves consequences, however, sexual abuse leaves consequences that are charged for life.
Barb detailed that children should not be kissed on the mouth, nor by parents. “A child could not differentiate when a strange adult or one that he knows makes a sweetie on his belly and then begins to touch another part of his body,” she sentenced.
The expert said that it is vital that children participate in a child sexual abuse prevention program and that they are shown risk situations.
According to statistics from the Public Ministry, in 2019, 5,244 cases were reported; in 2020 there were reports of 3,976 cases; in 2021 with 4,887; and in 2022 there is an increase of 13%.
It is estimated that only 5% of cases that occur within the family are reported and that 60% of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric patients have a history of child sexual abuse.
The psychologist also referred to chemical castration adding that, “as for the recidivism of a rapist, it has been observed that he reoffends generally 70% and 80% of the time. He will serve his sentence, get out of jail and reoffend to violate other children”.
