Child abuse

Egyptian child fatally abused

The child’s skeleton was found in the Dakhla Oasis and dates from the Roman period in Egypt.

Archaeologists have discovered the skeleton of a child who, 2,000 years ago, was so severely abused that several of its bones were broken. It is the oldest known case of child abuse.
The injuries point to prolonged abuse. Broken arms, ribs and collarbone. This was discovered by archaeologist Sandra Wheeler when she examined the 2,000-year-old child’s skeleton that had been unearthed at a burial site in Egypt.

‘We have found a few other children’s skeletons with injuries, but not as severe as in this case,’ Sandra Wheeler told Discovery News.
The extent to which the fractures had healed showed that the bones had been broken at different stages of the child’s life. This points to abuse rather than an accident. According to Wheeler, who is affiliated with the University of Central Florida, the damage to the upper arms in particular points to abuse.

The upper arms were broken in two. Children’s bones are much more flexible than those of adults, so this must have required a great deal of force. According to Wheeler’s theory, an adult grabbed the child roughly by the arms and shook him violently. The damage to the ribs, spine and collarbone was caused by blows. The collarbone fracture occurred shortly before the child died and may have been fatal.
The skeleton is approximately 2,000 years old, making this the oldest known case of child abuse. The grave is located in a cemetery in the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt, which was in use from 50 to 450 AD. At that time, Egypt was part of the Roman Empire.

The Egyptians were, in principle, caring parents. “We know they adored children,” said Wheeler.

According to her, the Romans also loved children, but saw them as weak individuals who needed to be moulded into adults. Corporal punishment was commonplace for many Roman children. It is possible that this abuse was a consequence of Roman influence.

Historia
4 October 2013

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is any form of abuse that is threatening or violent towards a child. This therefore includes not only physical violence, but also, for example, emotional abuse or neglect.

Forms of child abuse
There are various forms of child abuse, namely:

► Physical abuse
Physical abuse occurs, for example, when an adult regularly hits a child.

► Emotional or psychological abuse
Emotional or psychological abuse occurs, for example, when an adult regularly insults a child, humiliates them or deliberately frightens them.

► Physical neglect
This is the case when a child does not receive the care and support they need. Examples include a child who is not given anything to eat, or who has nowhere to sleep.

► Emotional or psychological neglect
A persistent lack of positive attention towards a child is also a form of child abuse. Every child has the right to love, warmth and a sense of security from their parents or carers. Emotional or psychological neglect also includes children who witness violence between their parents or carers.

► Sexual abuse
Sexual touching that an adult forces upon a child.

Veilig Thuis offers advice if you suspect child abuse
Anyone can make a difference to a child who is a victim of child abuse. It is therefore important that you take action as soon as possible if you suspect child abuse.

► Are you unsure whether child abuse is taking place somewhere?

Please call Veilig Thuis (0800 – 2000) (anonymously) for advice.
You can do this at any time, even if you suspect that there is no intent involved. Or if you are not sure whether child abuse is actually taking place. Veilig Thuis can advise you on what you can do to help the child.

Child abuse

References