Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.
– Rita Pierson
Child sexual abuse is a grave concern that demands the collective responsibility of every adult in our communities. Startling statistics from the Ministry of Women and Child Development reveal that 53% of children in India experience sexual abuse. This epidemic of child molestation necessitates increased awareness and concerted efforts to protect our children from such atrocities.
Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, CPS Global School, Thirumazhisai, on 24th July, 2023 organized an enlightening event titled “Personal Safety: Awareness on POCSO ACT-Child Abuse.” This comprehensive awareness program, led by Ms. Preethi, the Co-Chairperson of Masoom of Yi Thalir, aimed to equip the staff members of the school with the necessary knowledge and tools to safeguard children and uphold their rights.
During the event, the importance of teachers in child protection was emphasized. In the short term, teachers play a crucial role by providing a caring and sensitive environment that helps diminish the incidence of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and increases the likelihood of its reporting. Creating such an environment nurtures trust and encourages children to confide in their teachers when faced with abuse.
In the long term, teachers have the power to reinforce gender equality and challenge dominant forms of masculinity and femininity. The school should adopt a dual approach by implementing both a formal curriculum and a hidden curriculum that extends beyond academics. This hidden curriculum involves fostering meaningful interactions between teachers and students, creating a space where children feel empowered to voice their concerns and beliefs. Furthermore, elders surrounding the child must foster a sense of faith in their voices, ensuring that children understand their experiences will be believed, not merely listened to.
Handling disclosure is a critical aspect that teachers must navigate sensitively. When a child discloses an incident of abuse, it is paramount to affirm their courage for speaking up. Teachers should demonstrate belief in the child’s account, reassuring them that they will receive assistance in seeking help. Honest and age-appropriate answers to their questions provide the necessary support and clarity. Importantly, teachers should refrain from promising confidentiality, as it is their duty to report the disclosure to the appropriate authorities for the child’s protection.
The school’s commitment to child protection extends beyond individual teachers; it encompasses the entire institution. By adopting a default culpability stance, the school acknowledges its responsibility to ensure a safe environment for all students. Embracing a zero-tolerance policy sends a clear message that any form of child abuse will not be tolerated. Comprehensive staff orientation programs educate and empower all members of the school community to actively prevent child sexual abuse. Additionally, the cultivation of lavatory behaviour, which encompasses respect, empathy, and vigilance, contributes to a culture of safety within the school premises.
The event at CPS Global School shed light on the critical issues surrounding child sexual abuse prevention and the protective measures outlined in the POCSO Act. By acquiring deep-rooted knowledge about child sexual abuse and the legal framework provided by the act, the staff members are now well-equipped to empower and protect the children under their care.
Preventing child sexual abuse requires a collaborative effort involving every individual in our society. It is through increased awareness, education, and collective action that we can lay the foundation for a safer future for our children. Let us come together, break the silence, and ensure that every child’s voice is heard, believed, and protected.
As John F. Kennedy once said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” When we prioritize the well-being and safety of our children, we invest in the very fabric of our society, nurturing a generation that can thrive and contribute positively to the world.
