An article i have written on November 19, 2009, the World Day of Prevention of Child Abuse.
Today is world day of Prevention of Child Abuse.
In simple terms maltreating a child physically, psychologically or sexually is child abuse. Child abuse, it types, and the devastating impact it has on the most vulnerable of all; children, certainly doesn’t need an introduction to most of the Maldivians. As per ministry of family and gender, in the year 2007 alone 316 cases of child abuse were reported. This number is not only statistically significant but also downright scary in a country with a population of only about 300,000.
Often times these atrocious crimes of child abuse occurs behind their supposedly safe havens, in their very homes. This makes it extremely difficult for likes of Human Rights Activists, NGOs, Watchdogs, or even police to assist the innocent victim and vice versa. Therefore whenever a child is been abused whether you are a cognizant blood relative of that child or a vigilant neighbour it is your social responsibility to take the necessary steps of alerting the authorities.
One the occasion of this year’s world day of prevention of child abuse, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives held an awareness week which commenced on November 13, 2009. The slogan of the seven day awareness program “Prevention of Child abuse- My responsibility” emphasizes on the urgency of individual roles in safeguarding children from child abuse.
In addition to HRC awareness, The Gender Ministry is also working on launching a 24 hour help line especially for children via which they can report about abuse on their own. “Even adults can dial 1412, the 24 hour helpline and report cases of abuse” says Gender Ministry official Akram. Furthermore in order to provide the required counseling and physiological help in the aftermath of abuse, the ministry has signed MOUs with relevant NGO’s.
The recently ratified ,Child Sex Abuse (special provision) act is a milestone achievement and has ignited the flame of hope in the hearts of many. Under the act those convicted of child abuse faces 25 years of imprisonment. More importantly it ensures that the grotesque side of history doesn’t repeat itself. Because not all have forgotten about the “Naseem sir” incident and the ridiculous ruling on a case where a 12 year old girl was raped by four men.
The collaborative initiation by the government institutions, NGOs, and other concerned authorities to prevent the children of our nation from been abused is of utmost importance to our nation now. Because truly it is the children of today who will be the leader of tomorrow.
Abused Children today abused leader’s tomorrow.
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