What is Child Sexual Abuse and How Can We Deal With This?

 

By Uttama Surve

Coordinator, Uttama Child Protection Awareness Program and Protection Organization

Child protection isn't just a responsibility; it's a commitment we all must make to ensure the safety and well-being of every child. As a 14-year-old coordinator of the Uttama Child Protection Awareness Program and Protection Organization, I believe that every child deserves to grow up in a secure environment, free from harm. My father, Aniruddha Surve, a dedicated Para-Legal Volunteer (PLV) in court, has inspired me to advocate for child protection.

In this blog, I'll share essential ways to protect children and ensure their safety in different environments.

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The silence surrounding child sexual abuse is a powerful barrier. It allows this hidden problem to continue, often by people we know and trust. But by understanding it and taking action, we can protect our children.

Think of Gita, a bright 14-year-old, a source of pride for her single mother and her school. When chosen for a competition, Raju Uncle, the school's meal coordinator and a familiar face, offered to accompany her and her friends. What should have been a joyful trip turned into a nightmare. Raju abused Gita, threatening her and her mother if she ever told anyone. Trapped by fear, Gita suffered in agonizing silence, her innocence stolen by a trusted adult.

Gita's story, sadly, is common. It shows us that child sexual abuse isn't always done by strangers. It happens everywhere – in homes, schools, public places, and online – often by someone known to the child: a family member, teacher, neighbor, or community member.

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What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse means any sexual act or behavior forced upon a child. It can be subtle or direct. This includes:-

• Making uncomfortable sexual comments.
• Showing inappropriate pictures or videos.
• Touching a child in a way that makes them uneasy.
• Molestation (unwanted touching of private parts).
• Penetration of a child's private parts.
• Using children for pornography.

Molestation, even if it's "just touching," is serious. Both boys and girls can be victims, regardless of their background or where they live.

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Why Children Don't Speak Up – And How to Help

It's heartbreaking that children often suffer in silence. They might keep quiet because of:-

• Threats: Abusers often threaten the child or their family.
• Shame: Children might be made to feel like it's their fault.
• Confusion: They might not understand what's happening, especially from someone they trust.
• Fear of Not Being Believed: They worry adults won't listen or will get angry.

The Long-Term Impact of Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse can have deep and lasting psychological and emotional effects on children. It can lead to anxiety, depression, trauma, and trust issues. That's why it's incredibly important for children to speak up and get support.

To help children speak up, we must create safe spaces where they feel heard and believed:-

• Listen Carefully: If a child tells you something, listen without interrupting. Believe them.
• Reassure Them: Tell them it's never their fault and they have nothing to be ashamed of.
• Encourage Telling: Help them find a trusted adult – a parent, teacher, friend's parent, or another responsible person – they can talk to.

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Our Slogan 

Awareness is the power of children and freedom from exploitation.

Our Shared Duty: Preventing Abuse and Empowering Children

Stopping child sexual abuse needs everyone's effort.

1. Teach Children to Protect Themselves:-

Knowledge is a child's best defense. We must teach them:-

• Body Safety: Their body belongs to them, and no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them uncomfortable.
• "Good Touch/Bad Touch": Clearly explain the difference, emphasizing that a "bad touch" always feels wrong and should be reported.
• Saying "NO": They have the right to refuse any touch or request that makes them uneasy.
• Shouting and Telling: Empower them to shout for help and immediately tell a trusted adult.

2. Parents and Families: The First Line of Defense:-

Parents are key educators.

• Talk Openly: Have simple, age-appropriate talks about personal boundaries and what's private.
• Online Safety: Educate children on safe internet use and how to protect themselves from online abuse (like cyberbullying or inappropriate content).
• Be Approachable: Make sure your child feels safe to talk about anything without fear.
• Watch for Changes: Pay attention to sudden changes in your child's mood or behavior, which could be a sign of trouble.

3. Schools and Teachers: Building Safe Spaces:-

Schools play a huge role in keeping children safe.

• Clear Rules: Schools should have strong child safety rules and perform background checks on all staff.
• Awareness Programs: Regularly teach children about personal safety and how to report issues.
• Teacher Training: Train teachers (including Anganwadi workers) to spot signs of abuse and how to help children.

4. Community Leaders: Gram Panchayats & Committees:-

Local groups have a duty to protect children.

• Awareness Campaigns: Hold regular community talks about child safety and how to report abuse.
• Easy Reporting: Make sure there are clear ways for people to report abuse.

5. Empowering Youth Groups:-

Children and youth groups can support each other.

• Peer Support: They can learn to spot warning signs, help their friends, and speak up for safer environments.

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What the Law Says? The POCSO Act, 2012

India's Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is a strong law to protect children:-

• Child Definition: Anyone under 18 years old is a child.

• Protection: Children are protected from sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and pornography.

• Punishment: Offenders face serious jail time (3 years to life, or even the death penalty) and fines.

• Pornography Crime: Using children for pornography means at least 5 years in jail.

• Mandatory Reporting: If you know about child sexual abuse, you must report it to the police. Not reporting can lead to jail time or a fine.

• Child-Friendly Process: The law ensures sensitive handling:

  • A child's statement is taken at their home or chosen place.
  • No child is kept overnight at a police station.
  • Medical exams for girls are done by a female doctor, with a trusted adult present.
  • Court hearings are private for confidentiality.
  • Victims receive free legal help and support.
  
  

  Recent Case Example: The Indore Shooting Coach Scandal

  The importance of the POCSO Act and the urgent need for child protection are tragically underscored by a recent case in Indore. A shooting coach named Mohsin Khan is accused of raping and blackmailing over 150 female students, many of whom were minors. According to a recent report on YouTube, the coach, who worked at the Dream Olympic Shooting Academy, would touch his students inappropriately while pretending to help them with their rifles. When a student resisted, he threatened to ruin her career. Police discovered hundreds of inappropriate photos and and videos of his students, many underage, on his phone. This shocking case has sparked outrage and highlights the critical need for stricter regulations, background checks, and monitoring of coaches and trainers in educational and sports institutions. You can watch the full report here: इंदौर में 150 छात्राओं के साथ दरिंदगी, मोहसिन खान के वीडियो से पूरा देश सुलगा.

https://youtu.be/aBtdjXyzYrE

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For Assistance and Further Information

If you need help or further information related to child protection, or if you believe you have encountered a case of child labor, please feel free to reach out to the following contacts:-

📞 Mr. Aniruddha Surve (PLV): 9827399236

📞 Child Helpline: 1098

📞 Bhagwan Das Sahu: 9329756455

📞 Palavi Porwal (Chairman of Child Welfare Committee - CWC): 9826347009

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Final Thoughts

Protecting children is a shared responsibility. As the Coordinator of the Uttama Child Protection Awareness Program and Protection Organization, I strongly believe that awareness and education are the key solutions to child safety. Inspired by my father, Aniruddha Surve, I'll continue to spread awareness and help create a secure world for children.

Let's work together to ensure that every child grows up safe, confident, and free from harm. Every child deserves protection—let's make it our mission!