When 13-yr old Natasha tried telling her parents that she was being ' inappropriately touched and fondled ' by her uncle they didn't believe her. Gradually she started getting aggressive and developed an aversion towards people in general an boys in particular. She became so difficult that she had to drop school for some time.
In yet another incident six-yr old Preity was sexually abused by her tuition teacher.Being too young to realize what was happening, she did not inform anyone.After repeated assaults, she lost interests in tuitions and than studies .Finally she dropped school altogether.
These are not one- off cases. It's just one of the cases we know of.Most incidents are locked up like skeletons in the cupboards. Just because it's secret, the horrific reality of sexual abuse does not stop being true. Do u know that India has the dubious distinction of having the world's largest number of sexually abused children!!!!!!
sexual abuse can take place in various forms - verbal, visual, tactile, exhibitionist and pornographic offenses and fondling to anything that stimulates a person sexually. The victims could be a boy or a girl in any age group. Majority of sexual offenders are family members or are known to the child. Often sexually abused children feel ashamed and may go into a shell.
Parents can definitely play a major role in preventing and dealing with abused children, It has to be noted that the abused child needs a lot of moral and emotional support.There should never be any justification of abuse by saying that he/she must have done something to provoke it.Children are often told to give kisses or hug to their relatives .This is not always good.Let them express their affection on their own way.
MAIN ROLE OF ADULTS
- Parents should teach their children the age- appropriate names of all body parts(do not refer any body part as "shame -shame".So then only the child can recognize the unsafe touches .
- Children should be taught the difference between safe and unsafe touches.
- They should be taught that their body belongs to them and they have a right to say NO.
- Create a non-judgmental atmosphere at home so that children will feel free to report untoward incidents.
- Chapters on reproduction in biology books should be amply descriptive and teachers should explain the concept of sexual intercourse .
- Start peer education programmes schools and colleges. Remember most of the victim just need someone to talk to,