How can we measure the tragedy of child physical or sexual abuse? Each year, many incidents of child abuse occur, and only a fraction of these are reported.

Regardless of whether they're reported or not, children subjected to abuse have to live with their experiences for the rest of their lives. Many can never live normal lives, free of fear or guilt, and can never commit to trusting, loving relationships.

The reason many cases of child abuse remain unreported is that victims may be afraid of retribution, or too ashamed to come forward, thinking that they may be accused of some-how contributing to the offence, especially in cases of sexual abuse, which may be more prevalent than physical abuse.

Many child sexual abuse incidents occur in the victim's home, perpetrated by a family member. In family sexual abuse, the perpetrator often threatens punishment if revealed, or convinces the victim that they are sharing a "secret", which can't be disclosed to anyone.

Family sexual molestation may begin as nothing more than touching or hugging, but then is manipulated by the perpetrator into a sexual encounter. It can continue for many years, and signs of the victim's psychological or emotional damage may not appear until well into adulthood.

While perpetrators may be male or female, and may victimise boys or girls, research indicates that the majority are male, and under 30 years of age. Only a small proportion of all known abusers are over 50 years of age.

While family sexual abusers usually home in on one child, strangers often sexually abuse more than one child, but not the same child more than once. The degree of severity ranges from indecent exposure, fondling and touching, to violence, torture and rape.

Victims may feel guilt, fear and embarrassment, and suffer severe psychological and emotional trauma, resulting in attitude and behavioural problems.

Minimising the Risk

It would be nice to think that there was a fired way to prevent sexual abuse, but any child is vulnerable. Public places such as parks, playgrounds and public conveniences are favourite haunts of child molesters, and even school grounds and shopping centres cannot be completely protected.

Explain sexual abuse, out the difference between it and affectionate touching. Point out that any suspicious behaviour, even from a family member, should be reported to you immediately.

Teach your child some basic safety rules:

• Don't believe anyone who say's they've been sent by parents to pick them up

• When playing in parks or deserted areas, do so with friends - never alone.

• Don't go into public conveniences unaccompanied. · Always be aware of their surroundings.

• Don't hitch-hike, even with a friend. Explain that you drop them off and pick them up because you're concerned about their safety - not because you don't trust them.

Supporting the Victim

It's not uncommon for parents to dismiss claims of sexual abuse by their children, but children rarely lie about this. If you dismiss your child's claims, they may have nowhere else to turn. Believe your child and support them emotionally. Without causing too much anguish, try to gather as much information as possible about the incident and the perpetrator. In the event they have suffered physical abuse, or you suspect they have, you should see a doctor immediately.

Reporting

Reporting incidents of abuse is an important step in preventing other children from being abused. Police forces have special units committed to investigating these cases, while minimising the impact on victims, and most communities now have special facilities in place to assist victims of sexual or physical abuse. As an ordinary citizen, you can help by observing unusual or suspicious behaviour and, if you suspect abuse is occurring, report it to the appropriate authorities in your area.

Mandatory Reporting

Many countries have requirements for mandatory reporting of suspected child physical or sexual abuse. Certain professional groups, such as police officers, medical practitioners, nurses, teachers and social workers are expected to immediately report suspected incidents of abuse. Failure to do so is not only an offence under the law, but could also expose children to further risk.