This refers to the article, “Child sexual abuse is a national epidemic” (September 11) by Rinku Ghosh. It appears that child abuse cases are either not reported, or even if reported, are hushed up. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act has guidelines to deal with each case. But a lot of these cases are settled quietly and this is extremely dangerous. The police should not be the only resort that deals with the cases of child abuse. There should be a team of specialised child psychiatrists and other childcare professionals who can ensure continued support to these kids.
When a case of child abuse is reported, hardly any support is offered to the child and his/her family to get their lives back on track.
When children take the extremely difficult step of reporting abuse, we need to ensure that they get the support and help they need when they are brave enough to give evidence in the court. The urgent need is the enactment of a law that can provide for a stringent punishment to the perpetrators of crimes against children. Proper implementation of the law at all levels is also important. Should’nt we break our silence to save the innocence of children of our countryIJ