Opinion | Concern – Tag  Sharp Rise in Rape Cases (PART-2)

The survey should be made as to in which areas, whether rural or urban, the crime of rape on minors is more prominent and to target the awareness programs appropriately towards those areas; to avoid the minors wandering alone in the streets, especially at night and to always accompany the minor girls when they go out; the parents of the minors should always keep a check on the behavior of their neighbors or the relatives towards their child and if they have any suspicion then they should talk directly to that person regarding it and should also warn their child and such other measures should be taken to prevent the crime of rape on minors.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines child abuse as the involvement of a child in sexual activity that they do not fully comprehend, are unable to give informed consent to, are not developmentally prepared for and cannot consent to, or that violates the laws or social taboos of society CSA is demonstrated by such activity between a child and an adult or another child who, due to age or development, is in a position of responsibility, trust, or control over the child. The conduct is intended to gratify or satisfy the perpetrator’s wants.
Child sexual abuse is classified into two types: (a) physical contact and (b) non-physical contact. Touching, grabbing, compelled sexual activity, attempted coercion, and rape are all examples of physical contact. Showing adolescents pornography, encouraging them to pose naked, sharing nude images, online abuse, and making nasty remarks are all examples of non-physical interaction.
Warning Signs
“If a youngster is abused, you will observe changes in emotion and behavior.” “The child may appear terrified, anxious, or depressed.” They may become quieter or more distant, cry for no apparent reason, or wet the bed despite being previously toilet trained.”
Irritability, nightmares, losing interest in playing, and avoiding specific places or individuals are further warning signals. There could be an abrupt weight loss or gain, or a drop in academic performance.”
Nude photographs, online abuse, and making crude remarks are all examples of inappropriate behavior.
Good & Bad Touch
“Among the many ways to inform a child against sexual abuse and bad touch, the initial phase is to help them get acquainted with their body parts and biological names.” They would have acquired greater skills in communicating their experiences with their parents or trusted guardians if they had done so. We need to teach kids that they own their bodies and that no one is authorized to touch them. This permits them to keep their body parts private. This would teach kids that certain areas of their body should not be seen, handled, or photographed by others.
When you start talking to children about their bodies from an early age, helping them learn the names of their private and non-private parts, they find it easier to have an open and candid conversation regarding anything or anyone that may be trying to cross their physical boundaries. Discussing body anatomies or processes during bath time may be a good way to help children learn.
As a parent or guardian, we must make sure that your child is not keeping any secrets from you. Try to be your child’s best friend as a parent, and let them know that you will protect them at any cost and that they can have total confidence in you while discussing their issues. In most cases, children fear that their parents might not believe them in incidents of sexual abuse, which is why they fail to express their problems and become silent victims of years of abuse.
For example, getting treated by a doctor, or being examined by a parent in terms of their health. Teach a child how to react and what to say when a stranger or even a close relative suggests or performs sexually or abusively towards them. They should be taught to scream ‘NO’ or run away to a safe person immediately in such cases. Children should be able to ask for help and should be listened to in such cases.
Lastly, to save your child and yourself from the pain and woes of child sexual abuse, please observe them around other people or adults. The danger posed by strangers isn’t the only thing your child should be alert against. Sometimes, the worst predators can be the ones you trust the most and are in close relation to you and your child. If a child does not want to meet or hug a certain person, don’t force them. Let them take control of their personal space and let them trust you in their difficult times.
These are some ways to get you and your child on the right track regarding sexual and physical safety and create a healthier environment for your child to grow up in. (Concludes)