Sep 10 2014 : The Times of India (Delhi)
Govt plans to fight child abuse with awareness
New Delhi:
TIMES NEWS NETWORK
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There will be three programmes for kids in the 5-8, 9-12 and 12-18 age groups and one for parents, teachers and care-givers in children's homes
In an effort to prevent child abuse in general and sexual abuse in particular, the women and child development department of the Delhi government will soon create “comprehensive awareness modules“.There will be three separate programmes for kids in the 5-8, 9-12 and 12-18 age groups and one for parents, teachers and care-givers in children's homes. To help with the development of modules, a “brainstorming exercise“--they're calling it `Stay Safe-Prevention-Educating Children'--is planned for September 11.
Principal secretary (women & child development), government of Delhi, Dr Satbir Bedi, while giving details informed, “The department believes that though there are laws in place, it is imperative to create a culture of prevention of child abuse at home, in school and form a partnership network to raise awareness, mobilise public opinion and action, and disseminate prevention programs. Child abuse affects millions of children and families every year and this menace has to be stopped.“
Bedi added that raising awareness will not only give children the tools to defend themselves but also encourage them to report incidents.A2007 study conducted by the department had found that over 85% child sex offenders were known to victims and only about 25% victims ever reported the incidents.
The awareness modules will be developed in consultation with experts from gov ernment departments, independent institutions and civil society at a national level. Inputs will be sought from the national and Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Department of Education and a number of NGOs across the country .
“The module for 5-8-years age group, for instance, would describe examples of positive and harmful practices; define sexual abuse; stress on personal safety and good touchbad touch,“ says a statement issued by the department, “It would arm the child with self-awareness techniques and reinforce hisher feelings of security and self confidence.“ The module for the nine-12 agegroup will explain forced sexual activity, sexual abuse and its prevention; understanding their bodies' changing physiology and needs, among others; the one for 1218 year olds will explain the law. The care-give module will be on reading the signs of abuse, response and legal provisions.
Interestingly , the DCPCR had brought out a batch of guidelines on “Prevention of Child Abuse“ last year. It was meant to be implemented in schools but authorities are yet to develop a suitable mechanism for its implementation.
Principal secretary (women & child development), government of Delhi, Dr Satbir Bedi, while giving details informed, “The department believes that though there are laws in place, it is imperative to create a culture of prevention of child abuse at home, in school and form a partnership network to raise awareness, mobilise public opinion and action, and disseminate prevention programs. Child abuse affects millions of children and families every year and this menace has to be stopped.“
Bedi added that raising awareness will not only give children the tools to defend themselves but also encourage them to report incidents.A2007 study conducted by the department had found that over 85% child sex offenders were known to victims and only about 25% victims ever reported the incidents.
The awareness modules will be developed in consultation with experts from gov ernment departments, independent institutions and civil society at a national level. Inputs will be sought from the national and Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Department of Education and a number of NGOs across the country .
“The module for 5-8-years age group, for instance, would describe examples of positive and harmful practices; define sexual abuse; stress on personal safety and good touchbad touch,“ says a statement issued by the department, “It would arm the child with self-awareness techniques and reinforce hisher feelings of security and self confidence.“ The module for the nine-12 agegroup will explain forced sexual activity, sexual abuse and its prevention; understanding their bodies' changing physiology and needs, among others; the one for 1218 year olds will explain the law. The care-give module will be on reading the signs of abuse, response and legal provisions.
Interestingly , the DCPCR had brought out a batch of guidelines on “Prevention of Child Abuse“ last year. It was meant to be implemented in schools but authorities are yet to develop a suitable mechanism for its implementation.
