JOSEPHINE BITRUS TALKS ON CHILD ABUSE AND DRUGS ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS TODAY

 Gibsblog: Welcome to Gibsblog Josie

Josephine Bitrus: Thank you

Gibsblog: We'll do love to have your say  on drugs abuse and child abuse among youths today

But before that we'll do love you to tell us a little about yourself

Josephine Bitrus: Well, I'm Josephine Bitrus.

From Borno state.

A 200 level Law student of Taraba State University, Jalingo.

A graphic designer as well.

Gibsblog: Wow that's good, I like that I'm graphics designer part

So can you tell us what comes to your mind when you hear the word child abuse

Josephine Bitrus: Thank you

Gibsblog: Your say on the child abuse

Josphine Bitrus: Child abuse is physical, psychological, sexual or  emotional maltreatment of a child.

It includes actions or inactions (neglect) of a child's parent or caregiver which results in harm to the child, could be serious injury, emotional harm etc.

Gibsblog: Yes , so what do you think the government should do to reduce the rate at which a child is being abused

Josephine Bitrus: The government can use the approach of

 1.'public engagement and education campaigns'.

Educating the masses would be of great help in reducing and controlling the rate of child abuse in Nigeria.

2.They should as well provide quality care and education for the children.

3.Capital punishments should be placed on offenders for deterrence.

4.Behavioral parents training programs should be organized as often as possible, this could go a long way too.

Gibsblog: Yes I gree with you, the masses should be educated about child abuse

So what do you think should be the penalty or punishment for anyone caught abusing a child

Josephine Bitrus: Definitely.

Well, this should depend on the severity of the inflicted harm or victim's age.

But then, personally, I feel offenders should serve punishment of not less than ten(10) years imprisonment.

However or whoever they abuse.

Gibsblog: Wow 10 years imprisonment ok,

So how do you help a victim of child abuse, how do you help a child that has been abused say sexually, to gain him or her self back

Josephine Bitrus: One of the best ways of helping victim(s) of sexual assault to recover from rape and sexual trauma is by recommending a good therapist or even myself can do it.

It'll help a lot talking to someone who will listen to their story, being a source of support, who wouldn't judge or blame them, someone who reminds them that they care.

I would also advice they join a support group for other sexual abuse survivors, this would make them feel less isolated and alone of course.

Advising them to get grounded in the present which would help greatly with flashbacks and hurtful memories.

Gibsblog: That's good recommending a therapist

Now to drugs abuse

What's your take on it

Josephine Bitrus: Drug abuse as commonly known, is the illegal consumption of drugs, it can also refer to use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

Well it's sad that Nigeria is going through an alarming increase in the rate of drug abuse problem, especially amongst youths, which even leads to addiction.

This however has a lot of negative effects on the consumers, health wise especially.

Gibsblog: Yup it's a illegal consumption of drugs

So how do you help someone say a friend that is into the abuse of drugs

Josephine Bitrus: It is mostly believed that 'talking does the magic', well it may be true.

First off, I would talk to him/her about my concerns, tell him/her about the negative effects without being judgemental of course and also educate them in the process.

I would also encourage them to get help sooner before it gets to the level of addiction.

I'll as well show my love and support all through. process,

Gibsblog: Yup talking does the magic

Thank you Josephine bitrus for your time

 Gibsblog appreciate

Josephine Bitrus: Always..

Thanks too