NAME:Kholofelo

SURNAME:Maibela

STUDENT NUMBER:30HA2310670

MODULE CODE: PSYCHOLOGY 130-1

COURSE CODE: BSOCS 1

BOSTON CITY CAMPUS PRETORIA ARCADIA

Violence is any action that causes physical, sexual, or emotional harm to another
person. It can be deliberate or unintentional and can be individual or collective. Violence
can happen in any setting, including homes, schools, workplaces, or communities. It
can take many forms, including physical assault, sexual assault, harassment, threats, or
verbal abuse. There are two main types of violence: interpersonal violence and societal
violence. Interpersonal violence is when one person harms another person directly,
such as through physical or sexual assault. Societal violence is less direct - it refers to
the social and economic conditions that make people more vulnerable to harm, such as
poverty, inequality, or lack of access to healthcare.

One of the most common forms of violence children face in South Africa is physical
violence, this includes acts such as hitting, kicking, slapping, even bodily harm through
burns that leave scars on their vulnerable bodies and minds. Many children in South
Africa are subjected to physical violence within their homes, schools, and communities.
This form of violence not only inflicts immediate harm but also leaves lasting scars on
their mental health. Another form of violence that children encounter is emotional abuse;
it takes the form of constant criticism, humiliation, and belittlement. Children who
experience this form of abuse are more likely to develop mental health issues leaving
emotional scars and undermining a child's self-esteem and self-worth. Sexual abuse
encompasses another form of abuse children face from a youthful age as one in four
girls and one in six boys are victims of sexual abuse. They become victims of rape,
molestation, and exploitation

The South African Child Gauge 2022 report states that 21% of children aged 13-17 had
attempted suicide in the previous year (Tomlinson et al., 2022, p. 21). Additionally, the
report cites the South African Medical Research Council in finding that 27% of children
had experienced physical violence (Lake & Jamieson, 2016, p. 3). A study by the South
African Medical Research Council found that children who have experienced violence
are three times more likely to have attempted suicide, and five times more likely to have
been diagnosed with depression. Additionally, the study found that children who have
experienced violence are more likely to struggle in school and are less likely to achieve
their full potential. These statistics show the significant impact that violence has on
children's mental health and development.

According to the South African Medical Research Council, one in four children in South
Africa have experienced physical abuse, and one in 10 children have experienced
sexual abuse. one in five children have experienced emotional abuse. Violence against
children is a widespread issue in South Africa, and it is taking a toll on the mental health
of children, World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), one in five children experience
physical or sexual abuse, and up to one in three children are exposed to violence in the
home. The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in
which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses
of life. Violence can affect their mental well-being as children who experience physical
violence suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, The
constant exposure to emotional violence impairs their ability to trust and form
relationships with others, witnessing violence can disrupt a child's sense of safety and
security, leading to difficulties in regulating emotions and forming healthy relationships.
The constant exposure to violence can also desensitize children, making them more
prone to engage in aggressive or violent behavior themselves. This can build a sense of
helplessness in them and lead to them having to live their lives with a distorted view of
the world

In conclusion, the various forms of violence that children in South Africa experience
have devastating consequences for their mental health. Physical violence, emotional
abuse, sexual violence, and witnessing violence all contribute to the development of
mental health disorders and impair the overall well-being of these children. It is
important for society to address the root causes of violence and provide support
systems for children who have experienced violence. efforts can we create a safe and
nurturing environment for South African children, allowing them to grow and thrive
without the burden of violence on their mental health.
Bibliography

- Foxcroft, C., & Roodt, G. (2022). Psychology: A South African perspective. Cape
Town: Pearson South Africa.
- Feldman, R. S., Gruman, J., & Strasburger, V. C. (2019). Psychology and your life.
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Swartz, L., De la Rey, C., Duncan, C., Townsend, D. H., O'Neil, R. D., & Makhabela, M.
(2016). Psychology: An introduction (1st ed.). Oxford University Press.

- World Health Organization (WHO). (n.d.). Mental health. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health.
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- World Health Organization (WHO).