Anushka MehtaCo-Founder, Rightantra Purple Ribbon Collectivea Youth Organisation, fighting Domestic Violence When discussing the harm caused by acts of domestic violence and cruelty, especially in the Indian context, emphasis is laid only upon the physical and mental injuries caused to the one being abused, who is generally a woman. While the importance of such discussion cannot be denied, there is also another equally vulnerable group which is sidelined, i.e., children, who are affected by acts and consequences of the abuse against their parent. It is the lack of research on the impact and extent of exposure of children to domestic violence which is shocking and requires immediate redressal so that no child will ever again suffer silently at home, the one place which should be their safe place.
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Cheshta TaterCo-Founder, Rightantra In our previous article, we explained the concept of a “bad touch” which would aid children in realising any abuse or wrongdoing that may be taking place. However, what happens when a child is not able to understand what he/she has undergone because of their young age, lack of maturity, trauma, or because the abuser is a trusted person (close relative, teacher, caretaker, etc.)? In such a scenario, it is the collective responsibility of all persons around a child to be equipped with the knowledge so as to to identify if the child has been abused. Moreover, it is to be kept in mind that the abuser is also capable in identifying and luring away the most vulnerable children. Therefore, time is of the essence and the moment you believe that a child could be or is being abused, report the same and prevent the child from becoming one of many victims.
For ease in understanding, this article is divided into three parts: (1) Preventive Measures; (2) Measures of Identification; and (3) Reporting Mechanisms Cheshta TaterCo-Founder, Rightantra The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 is popularly known as ‘POCSO’. A highly acclaimed piece of legislation, POCSO criminalises a wide range of acts to create a safe space for children. Unfortunately, sexual offences against children, especially girls, are still committed in huge numbers. A lot of instances also remain unreported. Through the Rightantra POCSO series, we aim to assist our readers achieve two goals:
Cheshta TaterCo-Founder, Rightantra If you have reached to this post, it is obvious that you have access to the Internet––a global storage of information. As of 2019, 33% of internet users in India are minors (people under 18 years of age). And well, what is not to love about the internet––it connects you to your friends, provides access to loads of entertainment, and allows you to learn things by just clicking on a hyperlink. It makes life is good and easy. Then what’s the problem? You’re probably sick of listening to parents and teachers telling you to keep your device down (even though they are continuously using theirs). While I don’t particularly endorse 24X7 usage of your devices, I understand the inherent need, and even the desire to be online. All I suggest here is: If you’re going to be online, know what is and can go wrong, and what solutions are available to children like you.
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