53% Children in India are sexually abused
I am very sure all of you must have read today’s papers and that a government commissioned survey released yesterday, 9th April, 2007 in New Delhi by Women and Child Development Ministry has found that more than 53% of children in India are sexually abused!
Please read the link below to read the detailed report.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6539027.stm
Most of us are unable to accept the high prevalence of child sexual abuse in India and think that it doesn’t happen to their children and in their families.
PLEASE wake up to reality. Yes, it is difficult to accept it, but it is a fact. This survey shows it and so does surverys conducted by NGOs working on prevention and healing of child sexual abuse.
We as grown up adults, individuals, parents and teachers have to take on the responisiblity of protecting our children from this, it is only then that we will be able to help children retain their dignity which they have a right to and save them from a life filled with the trauma of childhood sexual abuse which has very strong ramnifications on the personality and life of an adult survivor.
What you/we as adults, parents and individuals can do is
a.. understand child sexual abuse and become aware
b.. teach your child personal safety just like you teach them how to cross the road or to stay away from fire which includes information on private parts of the body and the difference between safe and unsafe touch. Arpan in Mumbai has personal safety activity books for children between 6 – 10 yrs designed by TULIR especially for this which you could do with your children.
c.. give just enough information age appropriately so that the awareness can empower them to say NO and run from abuse.
d.. ensure a good rapport with your child so that chances are high that he/she might report abuse. Most children dont talk about it. They are confused and do not have the language to speak about it.
e.. believe the child when he/she reports the abuse and most importantly remember IT’S NOT THE CHILD’S FAULT.
We as educated citizens of the country can atleast do so much for our children….help them live a safe childhood.
regards,
Pooja Taparia
Founder
Arpan
Arpan is working towards prevention of child sexual abuse in Mumbai by conducting teacher training programs in schools and awareness talks amongst parents and individuals in groups and clubs.
We also provide counselling help to victims of child sexual abuse and adult survivors.
For more information on Child Sexual Abuse click here. https://www.karmayog.org/childsexabuse/
Child Sexual Abuse: A Definition
Aware Parents and Children Can Help Prevent Child Sexual Abuse
Aware Parents Can Better Help A Sexually Abused Child
Recognizing that the child has been sexually abused
Helping the child talk about this experience
Seeking professional support to help the child heal
Understanding, Preventing and Coping with Child Sexual Abuse – A Short Recap
Myths and Facts about Child Sexual Abuse
Statistics of prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse in India
Laws on Child Sexual Abuse in India
Resources Available
Related Links
Glossary
Email – pooja@arpan.org.in