Child abuse is a huge societal problem that most of the time goes unreported as the perpetrators of the abuse are family members of the child. It’s also difficult to report as children caught up in this abuse are afraid to come out against their abusers as they more than likely provide them with shelter and food. Also, the mechanisms of reporting child abuse are not widely known and may seem like a hassle for those who would like to report.

Childline Kenya is a 24 hour nationwide toll free helpline service dedicated to children that works in partnership with the Government of Kenya to stop child abuse and provide a safe environment for all children. The National Child Helpline is 116 and the WhatsApp is 0799873107. The helpline has been running since 2006.

Childline Kenya launched a Child Protection Report (2006-2016) with some interesting insights. Over the last 10 years, over 33,929 cases of child abuse have been reported through the 116 helpline. Over 13,878 cases of child neglect and abandonment have been reported over the last 10 years 7,317 cases with sexual abuse at 7,832 cases and physical abuse at. Child labour, emotional abuse and child trafficking and abduction are at 3,123, 1,025 and 528 cases respectively.

Neglect and abandonment have also been identified as the root cause of all other forms of child abuse in Kenya with the most reported forms of child neglect in the form of prohibition from school, lack of medical attention and denial of food. The report showed that 75% of child neglect was perpetrated by immediate family members followed by parents and extended family at 17% and 8% respectively. Also, the calls received through the Childline Helpline were mainly from Nairobi County where there is more awareness.

The reporting of the child abuse cases has seen a decline in the last four years due to technical issue occasioned by an aging system and Childline Kenya’s diminished ability to create awareness. The demand for the helpline service is high as evidenced by the calls received but there is need to increase the capacity of the helpline to respond to all attempts made to access the service.

In light of this, Childline Kenya has launched the Shine A Light campaign that aims to create awareness about child abuses and how Kenyans can help. The campaign aims to raise Kshs 10 million to support the rescue and rehabilitation of abused children.

mwendeHealthchild abuse,Childline Kenya
Child abuse is a huge societal problem that most of the time goes unreported as the perpetrators of the abuse are family members of the child. It's also difficult to report as children caught up in this abuse are afraid to come out against their abusers as they more...