Child abuse: A concealed sin prevailing in the society

Abstract

Child abuse is a globally prevalent phenomenon. The child may face abuse which can be physical, emotional, sexual or in the form of neglect. It is the violation of the basic human rights of a child. Root cause of abuse can be family problems, social, psychological or economic causes. It can lead to serious physical and psychological consequences which adversely affect not only the health but also the mind and soul of a child, scarring him or her for lifetime. Children form the vulnerable section of the society in the time of pandemics. With the current COVID situation at hand they are at a higher danger of being maltreated. It is important for us to realize that as dentists we have an indispensable role, duty and obligation to assist in the struggle against child abuse by identifying and reporting it so that it can be curbed from our society.