Child maltreatment is a distressing issue affecting children under 18 years of age. It includes physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence, and exploitation, causing harm to a child's health, development, and dignity in relationships of trust or power.

In my community, children aged 11 to 15 suffer from neglect, abuse, and exploitation, leaving them in unbearable pain and sorrow. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300 million children aged 2 to 4 regularly face physical punishment and psychological violence from parents and caregivers worldwide. Child maltreatment is a global problem with lifelong consequences, yet data from many countries are still lacking.

One particular girl, Sally, is 14 years old and dreams of becoming a nurse to help people. However, when she came to Freetown to live with her aunt, the promise of continuing her education was broken. Her aunt stopped her from attending school and forced her to sell food on the streets instead.

Child maltreatment causes extreme stress, disrupting early brain development and impairing the nervous and immune systems. This can lead to behavioral, physical, and mental health issues in adulthood. Violence against children also contributes to educational inequalities, with maltreated children having a higher likelihood of not graduating from school.

Sally's situation is heartbreaking. Her wicked aunt maltreats her, abusing her both physically and emotionally. She even burnt her once. Sally lost money while selling food, and her aunt drove her away to find it. She ended up sleeping on the streets and was tragically raped by men.

This horrific abuse led Sally to believe that living on the streets was her only option, as she feared her aunt's cruelty. She continues to suffer emotionally and feels neglected, wiping her tears with sadness and sorrow.

We must respond to child maltreatment by recognizing cases early and providing ongoing care for victims and families to reduce its recurrence and consequences. It is essential to act swiftly and provide support services to protect these vulnerable children.

According to the Child Rights Act of 2007, every child has the right to education. The government must prioritize children as they are the future of tomorrow. By focusing on children's welfare and implementing protective measures, we can create a safer and nurturing environment for them to thrive and achieve their dreams. Together, let us raise our voices and act against child maltreatment to build a brighter future for all children.

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