India
is home to almost 19 percent of the world's children. More than one third of
the country's population, around 440 million, is below 18 years. In India with its
multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, the problems of
socially marginalized and economically backward groups are immense. Within such
groups the most vulnerable section is always the children.
There
is now a realization that if issues of child abuse and neglect like female feticide
and infanticide, girl child discrimination, child marriage, trafficking of
children and so on are not addressed, it will affect the overall progress of
the country. Declining sex ratio at birth 914:1000, Infant mortality of 47 per
live births and child mortality is a concern.
40% of India’s children are stunted with chronic malnutrition. . 85% of
children who are working are hidden and excluded. 53.22% children reported
having faced one or more forms of sexual abuse. 2 out of 3 children were
victims of corporal punishment.
According
to WHO (World Health Organization), India has the world's largest number of
sexually abused children. Psychological, neglect, physical,and sexual
abuse.
Ø Education to our
Children at home at first, parents need to be aware of the situation and educate
children on appropriate/inappropriate behavior, when to trust, whom and how
much, how to speak their mind out, etc…
Ø Talk to your
friends and neighbors about child abuse and ways to prevent them.
Ø Perpetrators may
be anywhere in any form we cannot have a fixed mind of this is how child
abusers are and that my child is safe, which will be the biggest mistake of our
life. Instead teach our children what is safe. Many parents do not know their children are victims, and live in a
fantasy world of “nothing like that would ever happen to my child”.
But it can happen to any child anywhere therefore it’s never too late
to start giving child protection discussions within the family and with
friends and neighbours.
Ø Be a trusted friend
is the best way to help a child or if already abused listen to the child,
acknowledge the child and address the issue. Help secure the child, motivate
and build confidence in the child. Never neglect what the child has to say.Always
assure the child IT IS NOT his/her fault to be abused.
Ø Talk and share
your experiences with other parents /care providers and friends. Let us
learn from each other, and do our best to make society SAFE for our children.
Ø Educate children
on memorizing to recall phone numbers and address of
ICE NUMBERS (In case of Emergency) family member for
Ø In a situation
of abuse informed by the child act respond at once with loud thinking and long
sight considering all possible repercussions of your actions.
Ø Finally, spread
the word. Spread awareness.
[2]The
four basic rights of the Children:
Right to live or survival rights:
include the child’s right to life and the basic human needs of food shelter and
clothing and adequate living standard, and access to
medical services.
Right
to Development:
include the
right to education, play, leisure, cultural activities, and access to
information, and freedom of thought, expressions and conscienceness of religion.
Right
to Protection: Protection
rights: ensure children are safeguarded against all forms of abuse,
neglect and exploitation, including special care for refugee children;
safeguards for children in the criminal justice system; protection for children
in employment; protection and rehabilitation for children who have suffered
exploitation or abuse of any kind.
Right
to participation: encompass children's freedom to express opinions, to have a say
in matters affecting their own lives, to join associations and to assemble
peacefully. As their abilities develop, children are to have increasing
opportunities to participate in the activities of their society, in preparation
for responsible adulthood.
We
pledge to protect and empower children:
ü Respect all
children of any caste, creed, color, class and gender
ü Share relevant
child protection information with everyone
ü Not to neglect,
physically assault or sexually abuse any child
ü Not to tease any
child or call out nicknames
ü Not to threaten
any child
ü Not to spread
rumors about any child
ü Treat all
children as unique and precious human beings
ü Ensure all
children enjoy rights with responsibility
ü Propagate child
helpline
Access and use the Toll Free Child Help Line 1098
Ø To report abuse
of Children
Ø To report children
begging on the street
Ø To report Child
Marriage
Ø To report
abandoned Children
Ø Call 100 to
report Missing Children
CHILD
abuse is for real. Let’s work towards free world enjoyable for the children.
InternationalServices
Association
INSA-India
# 5/1 Benson Cross Road
Benson Town
Bangalore-560 046, Karnataka
Tel: +91 80 23536633/23536299 Web: www.theinsaindia.org Email: insaind@gmail.com Helpline e-mail: childatrisk@gmail.com
INSA-India
# 5/1 Benson Cross Road
Benson Town
Bangalore-560 046, Karnataka
Tel: +91 80 23536633/23536299 Web: www.theinsaindia.org Email: insaind@gmail.com Helpline e-mail: childatrisk@gmail.com
