Imoonline Anti Child Abuse Program

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Each year, tens of thousands of children in Nigeria are traumatized by physical, sexual, and emotional abuse by adults who are supposed to take care of them.  Due to lack of parenting classes, economic hardship, and cultural believes, cases of child abuse enjoy some level of tolerance from a cross-section of the Nigerian society. In most cases, child abuse cases either go unreported or the culprits walk away un-apprehended. However, the scars of child abuse can be deep and long-lasting, affecting not just abused children but the society in general.

Goals of The Program: 

• Increasing public understanding of the problem and its solutions.
• Providing resource for families, individuals and organizations.
• Advocating for effective laws and improved programs and policies to prevent child abuse.
• Fostering a nationwide network committed to child abuse prevention.

There’s no doubt that Africans have very strong family institutions, beautiful traditions, and take good care of their children if provided the help and support needed. A well-raised child is an asset to the family and the society. On the other hand, an abused child will become a problem to the family and the society in general.   

 Our campaign against child abuse is focused on the following areas: 

Physical Abuse Sexual abuse Emotional Abuse Child Neglect	Make a Secured Donation

Challenges of Fighting Child Abuse and Neglect in Nigeria:

 Unlike in developed countries such as the United States, Nigeria has weak enforcement of child abuse laws. One good example is the unclear ‘age of consent' in Nigeria to determine who actually is a minor. Other factors undermining the fight against child abuse in Nigeria are: 

• Weak laws and enforcement of existing child abuse laws
• Cultural and traditional practices, such as the ‘cast system’ and female circumcision.
• The taboo surrounding sex in most Nigerian communities shields rape, as victims seldom report the crime.
• Economic hardships force parents to make hard choices over their children.
• Lack of enlightenment and education on the extent of the problem.
• Lack of parenting classes for young parents.
• Some religious leaders exploit children under religion, since religious matters are very sensitive in Nigeria. They often go un-apprehended.
• Superstition such as the belief in rituals of having sex with virgins.

How The Program Works:

Our Anti Child Abuse Program is part of the Imoonline program. It is solely run and manage by youths, most of whom are college students. The program relies on the support of the public and sympathizers for funding.  Our major tools are publications, workshops and seminars to educate young women and new mothers. We hold occasional parenting classes for new and would-be parents. When established cases of child abuse come to our notice we also notify appropriate government agencies.

Suggestions on Preventing Child Abuse in  Nigeria:

Seek counseling if you were abused as a child to minimize the affects on your adult life.  Attend parenting classes before starting a family.
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• Assist young parents facing challenges with parenting.
• Intervene when your spouse is abusing your children or househelp.
• Be a watch-dog for every child, especially if you are a teacher, Sunday school teacher, or daycare worker. Alert authorities if you notice obvious signs of child abuse on a child.
• Do not give out your children as house-helps. House-helps are the worst abused set of people in Nigeria.
• Keep an eye on neighbors who abuse house-helps, and their own kids and report them to government agencies.
• Treat every child as your own. ‘It takes a village to raise a child’.
• Resist when a church pastor or community leader tries to abuse your children in the name of religion or as cultural custodians. Be careful with such fetish practices as ‘beating out a demon’ in a child.
• Monitor such activities that leave a child of opposite sex unattended with an adult even if the adult is a family friend or acquaintance.
• Listen to children and house-helps when they complain about abuse or neglect.
• Observe and inspect your children occasionally for obvious signs of sexual abuse, or change in behaviors.
• Extend family love and emotional care to house-helps the same way you would to your on children.
• Expose child abuse and don’t condone it. If the government doesn’t reward you, God will.

Support us today by making a generous donation below, or joining our league of sponsors. You can also join the campaign or enquire about our next workshop.