Abuse not considered a crime everywhere!

LUCKNOW: : From slums to posh areas, schools to hostels – sexual abuse is common. But it is not considered a crime everywhere.

“Senior students abusing juniors in residential schools is common. Parents say it is a tradition of growing up and this is what makes children tough,” said Amrita Dass.

Another issue raised during the discussion was of rural and slum areas. “Families live in single rooms and children often see their parents into sexual activities. This makes them try out whatever they see. Since they see their parents doing it, children don’t consider it as a crime,” said Akshai Abraham, director, Project KHEL.

Emphasising on the upbringing of children, Akshai said a number of such cases are hidden by children due to the shame associated with private parts. “We always tell our children that their private parts are a thing of shame and are to be hidden. This is what restricts children from narrating the horror, if they undergo sexual abuse,” he added.

G Pattanaik, former bureaucrat, said awareness among parents is necessary to deal with the issue of child abuse.

“The stigma associated with sexual abuse needs to end and integrated functioning of various stakeholders should be done to ensure that the crime does not happen. We must focus on preventive measures.”

Anshumali Sharma, director, Childline Lucknow said, “Parents should listen to their children and must not snub their complaints. This will help bring out more cases that continue to happen but go unreported.”

While talking about the legal aspects, Bulbul Godiyal, former additional advocate general said, “There are enough provisions under law to deal with child sexual abuse. But the issue is of implementation.”

Godiyal also said that provisions of Indian Penal Code clubbed with the new Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act can ensure even death penalty for culprits

“The stigma associated with sexual abuse needs to end and integrated functioning of various stakeholders should be done to ensure that the crime does not happen. G PATTANAIK, former bureaucrat Parents should listen to their children and must not snub their complaints. This will help bring out more cases that continue to happen but go unreported ANSHUMALI SHARMA, director, Childline Lucknow