By CSA Team | Catalysts for Social Action (CSA)
In 2007, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, released a study on Child Abuse that opened the country’s eyes to the enormity of the problem.
Some statistical data about child sexual abuse:
• 53.22% children in India are reported to be sexually abused, in a study by the Ministry of Women and Children Development
• In the same study, out of above mentioned number 50% had been abused by people who they knew or were held in a position of trust and responsibility
• 52.94% were boys and 47.06% were girls
• According to UNICEF, across the world, more than 150 million girls and 70 million boys have witnessed forced sexual intercourse or other forms of violence involving physical contact
It is important to empower children with appropriate knowledge and this is one of the first steps towards prevention and protection against sexual abuse. Specifically in the case of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA), Prevention becomes the most important pillar, because if the case reaches the intervention stage where the child has already been abused ,the damage is done. The scars of abuse last a lifetime and affect many areas of the child's life including relationships, professional life etc. The experience of abuse can lead to anxiety disorders, substance abuse and depression also.
(Source: CHILDLINE India Foundation)
With this critical point in mind, Catalysts for Social Action initiated workshops on Safe & Unsafe Touch with all children at children’s homes in the age group of 6-14 years of age. Our staff also attended workshops by CHILDLINE India that train volunteers in running sessions with children in schools on ‘Child Sexual Abuse’ Awareness.
Aim of sessions was to -
* Inform children about the various forms of safe and unsafe touch
* Give children necessary information to prevent abuse
* What should children do in case they are faced with such situations of potential abuse
The workshop consisted of a presentation and screening of video ‘Komal’ (Childline India), a brilliantly conceived short film on child sexual abuse.
The workshops were well received by children as well as caretakers & trustees and this is being seen as an important step towards ensuring that children are equipped with necessary information in order to prevent such incidents.
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