MUMBAI: Only penetration is sexual abuse and boys cannot be subject to such a crime: There are the two most common misconceptions among parents, showed a survey by Podar Institute of Education and the Early Childhood Association. Moreover, 90% respondents are not even aware of the laws that can be used against offenders.
More than 2,500 parents in the city were surveyed ahead of November 19, World Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse, to ascertain what they know and to help them ensure safety for their kids. Experts are worried by the ignorance among parents, as revealed by the study, awareness being one of the key steps to prevent such crimes.
According to the study, more than 1,800 (72%) parents of children, aged between two and 12 years, feel child sexual abuse means only rape and an even higher percentage (80%) feels boys are not sexually abused. But according to the National Study on Child Abuse in April 2007, boys are at an equal risk of being abused.
Another disturbing tendency among parents, the survey reveals, is that they often do not report such cases, fearing dishonour. While 65% parents said they would not report the matter, 72% among them cited social stigma as the reason behind it.
To dispel the misconceptions and to create awareness, the association has drafted a set of rules. “We have created a 10-point guideline which parents can use to help protect their kids and understand the law,” said Swati Popat Vats, president of the association. The survey, also held in Pune and Bangalore, had similar results.
Experts have expressed concern over how little parents are aware of the different ways a child can be abused and the laws against offenders. “We have interacted with more than 34,000 parents and their ignorance about the issue is evident. Till recently, most parents were in denial that these things can happen to a child,” said Pooja Taparia, founder of NGO Arpan working towards prevention of child sex abuse. “An understanding of the matter is still missing. When we tell parents about the legal options, only a few avail of them.” Arpan will host streetplays and exhibitions today.
Source: The Times of India
