Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 18 Nov 2024
Father Beat Me With Belts: Ayushmann Khurrana Recalls Battling Childhood Trauma; Ways to Help Kids Cope With Abuse
Ayushmann Khurrana reveals being beaten up mercilessly by his father as a child with belts and chappals
Ayushmann Khurrana revealed being beaten up mercilessly by his father as a child with belts and chappals, adding it led to a certain amount of childhood trauma.
“I’m a completely different father. Mine was a dictator. Getting beaten with chappals, belts, etc… were par for the course, and of course, there was childhood trauma," he said in an interview comparing how he is a completely different parent.
Ayushmann shares two kids with his wife writer-director Tahira Kashyap.
What is child abuse?
According to experts, child abuse happens when someone caring for a child hurts them emotionally or physically. It can happen to boys or girls in any family. Often, the emotional trauma lasts long after a hurt body has healed. Doctors advise knowing the dangers of abuse and what to do if you suspect it is key to keeping all children safe.
What are the types of child abuse?
Experts say child abuse comes in many forms, which include:
Physical
Slapping, pushing, punching, kicking, shaking, or burning a child or not allowing a child to eat, drink or use the bathroom.
Emotional
Frequently verbal, involving insults, constant criticism, harsh demands, threats, and yelling.
Sexual
Rape, incest, fondling, indecent exposure, using a child in pornography, or exposing a child to pornographic material.
Medical
Intentionally trying to make a child sick or not treating a medical condition.
How does abuse affect a child?
There are certain characteristics in children who have experienced abuse and a few noticeable behaviours include:
- Chronic stomachache, headache, and other physical complaints
- Return to childish behaviours like thumb-sucking and bedwetting
- Running away from home
- Self-destructive behaviour and self-harm
- Severe behavioural changes
- Anxiety and depression
- Difficulty learning and concentrating.
- Evidence of PTSD
- Lack of emotional development
- Poor self-esteem
- Recurring nightmares
- Thoughts of suicide
Signs and symptoms of child abuse
Even though signs of child abuse may not be obvious, there are times you may notice a shift in the child’s behaviour. A few of these signs include:
- Looking unclean or neglected
- Unexplained bruises, welts, sores, or skin problems that don’t seem to heal
- Untreated medical or dental problems
- Pain in the genital area
- Vaginal bleeding
- Fear of one or both parents
- Fear of an activity or place
- Crying often
- Regression
- Acting differently f rom other children, especially if it’s a sudden change
- Frequent absences from school
Ways to treat child abuse
Doctors say children may need immediate medical treatment if they have physical injuries, seem dazed, or lose consciousness.
However, those who experience abuse most likely need ongoing behavioural healthcare as well. Two of the most effective ways to treat abuse in childhood include counseling and therapy that prevents future abuse and reduces long-term damage. During psychotherapy sessions, a mental health professional helps the child learn to trust and boost their self-esteem.
They also teach children about healthy relationships and conflict management strategies.Therapy is beneficial for parents, too. It can help cope with the situation, uncover the roots of abuse, and learn healthy parenting strategies.
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