Recent news reports of
child sexual abuse have stunned the society. It is believed that child
sexual abuse is rare in India. The taboo to talk about sexual issues
as well as the secrecy surrounding the topic aids this belief as well
as prevents the detection of abused children. Professionals like
doctors (especially gynaecologists and psychiatrists) psychologists,
social workers, lawyers and police personnel regularly come across
sexully abused children and adults who were sexually abused in
childhood. Prevalence of sexual abuse in children is 0.5 to 2% as per
Crime Records Bureau but actual figures are expected to be much higher
as these cases go unreported because of various reasons.
The person, mostly a
man, who abuses a child sexually is often a family member or an
acquaintance. He builds a good relationship with the family and gains
the child's trust very meticulously. He may use affection, force or
threats to perpetrate the crime and prevent it from detection.
Every child deserves a
secure and happy childhood. Government is already in the process of a
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act. We can all contribute to prevent
this heinous crime
What a parent should
do?
-
Communicate with
the child regularly especially about the persons they interact
with.
-
Make children feel
good about themselves and know that they are loved, valued and
deserve to be safe.
-
Do not leave them
with persons you do not know well.
-
Be vigilant if
somebody is showing undue interest or concern in your child
-
Teach them, that
their bodies belong to them and nobody has the right to touch them
in anyway that is unwanted or hurt them
-
Teach them about
their body and satisfy their curiosity about body parts.
-
Teach the
difference between "Good and Bad" touch.
-
Teach them, that
their bodies belong to them and nobody has the right to touch them
in anyway that is unwanted or hurt them
-
Tell them that
safety rules apply to all people , let it be relatives, neighbors
or family members.
-
Teach your child
safety measures for internet use, monitor his/her internet use and
install softwares to block porn sites.
-
Take a serious note
of any change in your child's routine or behaviour
-
Teach them that
they can rely on you to believe and protect them if they tell you
about abuse.
-
Teach them that
they are not bad or to blame for sexual abuse.
-
If ever your child
reports of any such incidence, deal the matter sensitively and
take all the measures to protect your child and make him feel
safe.
What a School Should
Do?
-
Teacher's conduct
should encourage students to approach them with their difficulties
-
Students should be
taught about physical/sexual abuse and how to prevent it, with the
help of skits, drama, movie clips and discussions
-
Students should be
taught to feel like an individual and that their privacy cannot be
disturbed by anybody
-
Teachers should
keep an eye to observe any change in behaviour or lack of
attention in students
-
Parents should be
strictly told to drop and pick their children from school in time
so that they do not remain unattended or with a suspect person
-
Authorities should
pay attention to complaints of children against staff.
-
School authorities
should make sure that no unwanted persons loiter in the vicinity
of the school.
-
Each school should
have a good counsellor on its panel and his help should be sought
in cases of disturbed children.
-
Sex education
should be given to all children at an age appropriate level.
What a child can do?
-
Talk to your
parents even if they are strict or tough as they are your biggest
"well wisher"
-
Your body belongs
to "You" and "Nobody" can touch you or hurt you without
your "consent".
-
Don't be carried
away by any momentarily help or reward or any undue attention
from others
-
If somebody tries
to scare you, just talk to your parents as they are always there
to protect you.
-
If some one tries
to a "Bad touch" you it is not your fault so you should not
feel guilty and should talk to your parents about it.
-
Tell your parents
about the people you meet and especially if you have any bad
experience with them
-
Tell your parents
when you go out and how you can be contacted.
A society vigilant to
note any suspicious persons or activities in the neighborhood can
prevent untoward incidents happening to children. Children are our
nation's wealth and future. It is our duty to provide them a secure
environment to actualize their potential.
