In a world filled with hope and fragility, the protection of our young girls becomes paramount
By Farheen Wani
“Girls are pearls, ladies are rubies, mothers are moulders, and women are wonderful.”― Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
The young girl symbolizes both hope and fragility. She holds the potential for a bright future but is as delicate as a flower, requiring nurturing and protection from harm. These girls will become the mothers of the next generation and play a crucial role in shaping our future. Understanding Perpetrators: Crimes Against Minor
However, recent events raise pressing questions about our society. Are we adequately instilling values of morality and respect in our citizens? Are our young boys growing up to treat women as equals, deserving of respect and consideration, rather than as objects of exploitation?
We must shift our perspective on female children. Those who suffer sexual abuse during their formative years endure immense pain, not only at the hands of offenders but also due to society’s indifference. It is vital that we recognize this and pass on this awareness to the next generation.
Despite legal protections, the rights of female children are frequently violated in practice. It’s imperative to combat the immoral trafficking that has evolved into an organized criminal activity.
In India, the incidence of rape continues to rise, with children becoming increasingly vulnerable.
Troubling Trends in Child and Women Criminality
In recent months, we’ve witnessed a concerning surge in crimes against children and women. Disturbingly, many of these offenders are close family members, teachers, or neighbors. These crimes are now being exposed on social media, fueling public concern.
The humility and compassion that were once hallmarks of our society have been overshadowed. Marriages are less enduring, divorce rates are soaring, and lavish weddings have become the norm. Drug addiction, molestation, and rape have become alarmingly prevalent.
While unemployment, failures, and abuse contribute to these issues, resorting to violence and crime cannot be justified. Life is not a smooth journey, and during tough times, practical solutions should be sought. The rise in literacy rates hasn’t stemmed the tide of scams and corruption; instead, it has exposed more individuals to wrongdoing, particularly those in positions of power.
Technology, designed to simplify our lives, has been misused, trapping people in challenging circumstances. Excessive use of mobile phones, especially among children and teenagers, has far-reaching consequences.
Disturbing Escalation of Molestation and Rape
Molestation and rape have become alarmingly common, raising concerns about the direction society is heading. It’s disheartening that these crimes often feature prominently in media narratives.
Rape is an atrocious crime, leaving physical and psychological scars on the victim. It can be motivated by various factors, including lust, enmity, anger, and revenge. But what drives individuals to commit rape, especially against minors?
Recently, a 46-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping his 15-year-old relative in Srinagar. Another incident involves a 22-year-old man raping a minor girl in Srinagar, with the accused being a close relative of the victim.
Understanding the Perpetrator’s Psychology
Perpetrators often target minors they know due to convenient access, trust, and reduced resistance. Fear of damaging social status can deter families from reporting such heinous acts. The psychology of these criminals lies in exerting power with minimal effort and reduced risk of exposure.
Preventive Measures
To combat these atrocities, preventative measures are essential. Educating minors about appropriate and inappropriate touch, fostering their confidence to report abuse, and increasing public awareness are crucial steps. Identifying high-risk areas and tailoring awareness programs accordingly, as well as ensuring minors are not left unsupervised, are essential.
Parents must be vigilant about their children’s interactions with neighbors and relatives and communicate openly with their children about potential risks.
The Definition of Child Sexual Abuse
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), child sexual abuse (CSA) involves children in sexual activities they cannot fully understand, provide informed consent to, or are not prepared for developmentally. This can occur between a child and an adult or another child in a position of trust, control, or responsibility.
CSA is categorized into two types: physical and non-physical contact. Physical contact includes actions like touching, grabbing, and sexual coercion, while non-physical contact encompasses activities like exposing minors to pornography, encouraging them to pose naked, sharing explicit images, online abuse, and making offensive remarks.
Warning Signs
If a child is experiencing abuse, there are distinct warning signs that may become apparent through changes in their emotional and behavioral patterns. These changes could include signs of fear, anxiety, or depression. Children may become more withdrawn, cry without apparent cause, or experience bedwetting, even if they were previously toilet-trained.
Other potential warning signals include increased irritability, nightmares, a loss of interest in play, and avoidance of specific places or individuals. Additionally, abrupt fluctuations in weight or a decline in academic performance can be indicative of underlying issues.
It’s essential to be vigilant and attentive to these signs in order to protect your child from harm. Recognizing these red flags early on can make a significant difference in a child’s well-being.
Good & Bad Touch
When it comes to educating children about sexual abuse and the concept of appropriate touch, the first step is to help them become familiar with their own body parts and their biological names. This foundational knowledge equips children with the skills to communicate their experiences with their parents or trusted guardians effectively. It’s crucial to convey to children that they have ownership of their bodies, and no one is authorized to touch them without their consent. This empowers them to establish and maintain personal boundaries.
Starting conversations with children about their bodies from a young age, including teaching them the proper names of their private and non-private body parts, facilitates open and honest discussions about any potential infringements on their physical boundaries. Engaging in age-appropriate discussions about anatomy and bodily functions, perhaps during bath time, can be a helpful approach to building this awareness.
As parents or guardians, it is paramount to ensure that your child feels comfortable sharing any concerns or experiences with you. Strive to foster a close and trusting relationship with your child, assuring them that you will protect them under all circumstances. Many children withhold information about incidents of sexual abuse out of fear that their parents may not believe them. Consequently, they may suffer in silence for years.
Teaching children how to respond when faced with inappropriate advances is essential. They should be instructed to firmly say ‘NO’ and immediately seek help from a trusted adult or authority figure if they ever encounter such situations. Encourage your child to reach out for support and assure them that their voice will be heard and respected.
Finally, it is crucial to be vigilant about your child’s interactions with adults and others. While the danger posed by strangers is well-known, it is essential to recognize that sometimes, individuals within your trusted circle may pose a threat. If your child expresses discomfort or reluctance to interact with a specific person, respect their boundaries and refrain from forcing them into uncomfortable situations. Empower your child to take control of their personal space, and let them know they can confide in you during challenging times.
By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and nurturing environment for your child to thrive, fostering their physical and emotional well-being.”
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this Magazine. The writer can be reached at [email protected]
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