The past week has been nothing short of mayhem for Arunachal which one after another saw three rape incidents targeting minor girls. Rape is a heinous crime as is but when this happens to innocent souls who barely walked this earth, the faith on humanity dies.

Of late children have become soft targets for depraved minds and the manner in which the minor victim at Tezu was killed brings a sense of foreboding about the safety of society’s youngest members.

Arunachal has witnessed gruesome acts towards children. Over the past several years there has been disturbingly repeat occurrence of minor students being physically and sexually abused also worrisome that many of these have occurred in safe zones such as schools and homes.

Admitting that we do need a robust police establishment and a more effective criminal justice system, however, one can’t reiterate enough that awareness is key to curb child abuse.

It is never too early for parents and responsible figures to inform children about the acts and gestures that constitute as a crime against a minor and teach them ways to deal with such rogue elements.

Schools must also play a sensitive role in tackling such cases. Since children are uncomfortable and do not know whom to approach for help, installing ‘drop box’ is a way through which they can reach out for help if need be.

There is need to raise more awareness about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) which is meant for safeguarding children. Since 2012, India has had a strong and unambiguous law on sexual offences against children-POCSO. Anyone who is made aware of an abusive incident is legally obliged to report it, whether a teacher or a doctor. It spells out the protective duties of the police and demands a minimally distressful medical examination, investigative and judicial process. But apart from the nomenclature, not many are aware of the provisions under the Act.

Last but not least ‘externalizing’ rape is a folly; therefore keeping an eye around the immediate surroundings can’t be reiterated enough.

By educating ourselves and the community, we can prevent child abuse from happening in the first place.  

 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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