Psychiatrist P V Bhandary opined that chances of sexual abuse of child is most likely from nearest kin and known person as against usual perception of unknown committing crime.
Delivering a talk at a training workshop for selected SHGs over consumer awareness organised by District Administration in association with Food & Civil Supplies Department, he said nearly 70 per cent of individuals who seek treatments for mental illness have been subjected to sexual or physical abuse during childhood days.
Not only sexual abuse, but also physical and psychological abuse is also exploitation, he added.
Stating that what mind does not know, eyes will not see, Bhandary stressed that society should accept the fact that children are most vulnerable to abuse. Sexual abuse can happen from anyone. However, majority cases wherein accused are nearest relative or known persons. Boys are subjected to sexual abuse in large number in comparison with girls. He said children are always victims of sexual abuse because they do not protest. They are ignorant over normal and abnormalities. He said one should be aware that own home and schools are not safe, adding mothers should take initiative and create awareness among children over safe and unsafe touch.
He said parent should counsel the child and never criticise or compare child with another child. The psychiatrist said child helpline number 1098, station officer, District Child Protection Unit or judicial magistrate should be contacted to register complaint against abuse. Udupi CMC President Yuvaraj said SHGs should take up initiatives to create awareness among fellow members. Awareness is best way to avoid such crimes, he opined.
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