Child Safety Is In Our Hands- Effective Communication Is Priority

September 24, 2018

According to the States Economic Survey, Maharashtra has witnessed a rise in the incidents of crime against women and children in 2017 as opposed to 2016.

The survey stated that a total of 3,331 cases were registered for crimes against children in 2016, and the number increased to 4109 in 2017.

The number of child rape was 2086 in 2016 which increased to 2305 in 2017. While there were 132 cases of murder in which children were victims in 2016, the number increased to 147 in 2017.

Also according to the data by National Crime Bureau record suggests, that from 2006- 2016 the ratio of violence against crime increased from 18,967 to 1,06,958. Moreover, Maharashtra stands second for recording a maximum number of cases of kidnapping, Abduction and POCSO.

While the data for this year is not available as yet, it is clear that this is a grave concern that must be addressed and holistically.

Pune365 spoke to parents, activists and experts to seek inputs on safety measures that can be adopted at large.

It is essential to increase the awareness about such crimes and in which scenarios it is more likely to happen. The children themselves must be made more and more aware about it, says Ankita Manjrekar, a Social worker from a city-based Ngo.

A few basic courses if conducted, will help children increase their practical knowledge and will help them know and understand people more.

As a part of the regular physical education in schools, basic training in self-defence should be provided, Also parents need to reassured by school authorities and the government about their kids.

Police personnel need to act proactively by assisting them wherever and whenever needed. This will ensure all cases come to light and the guilty are prosecuted once for all.

Manjrekar further adds, People need to see first hand that punishment is being given to culprits. Parents should be aware of the law and have faith in the government and administration.

It is their responsibility to know their child’s surroundings well. it is often seen that working parents have less time to spend with their kids; being friends with your child is very important for them to express their concerns about things making them feel uncomfortable.

Children getting rapidly exposed to increasing crimes over the past few years can also be attributed to the lack of enough communication between parents and their children, says Minakshi Awale, Clinical Psychologist.

Looking at the current figures, Maharashtra and a few other states have registered an increase in cases of crimes against children. It is a serious matter and brings shame to the state. Awareness is the key to overcome it, Kids should be taught in school about good and bad touch.

Regular sessions with city-based Ngo’s and parents should be conducted on weekends to empower our kids. We as citizens should ensure the safety of kids in general and not only bother about our own.

Here are a few things which are essential to talk to your kids to help them be more aware and cautious:

Talk to them about their body and let them know about their private parts, teach about their good and bad touch irrespective of their gender.
Let them know that watching porn in the name of sex education is not ok in school and home. If anyone tries or forces them to see pornography, they must discuss that with you( Parents)
Getting things, or expensive gifts from a known person or a stranger is a big NO NO.
Teach and guide them in excusing themselves from uncomfortable and scary situations.
Allow them to use a cell phone for security purposes, ensure that they make the correct use of the resources.
Discuss their day without fail and let them be aware of crimes happening against children.

Keshav Rao, Active Citizen says “To ensure safety for our kids we should move with the time, in my opinion, young kids in the age group of 8-15 should be given a mobile so their parents can be contacted in case of emergency.

Safety on buses should be ensured by schools, GPS and CCTV should be installed in the school buses and parents should be authorised to access or track them. Regular counselling sessions should be followed in schools.

However ensuring the kid’s safety outside the school, should be completely a parents responsibility, he added.