We see them every day, at home, in school and on the road; we see them smile, laugh, play and cry. However, what often goes unnoticed is that some of these children lose their playful nature in a short time due to abuse and exploitation and the scars that are caused may be left unsaid, but will, ultimately, determine their future. Their short lived misery may turn out to be a cause of lifelong turmoil.

We tag ourselves as the so called concerned citizens yet we fail to perform our duty as such. Many a time, we end up reading in the dailies, magazines and so forth about the abuse faced by children. Yet, we seldom act. We may be concerned about their future and yet we forget that they are someone today.

When we talk about children, we must first understand who a child is. (See box item)

Childhood is a stage where the seeds of the future are sown. It is also a stage that needs appropriate care and attention and is often thought of as one of the happiest times in a person’s life. Now, the question that arises is; does every child enjoy the benefits of being a child? Do they lead a carefree life? These are just some minor questions which can create a huge impact for those children who are being abused and exploited. How many of us realise that the glasses that we drink from, the matches that we light, the ornaments that adorn us and are admired at are being produced by tiny hands, the hands that should otherwise be playing, writing and experiencing the blissful life of a child? If we want the society to develop, child development is the way to go as children are not only our own flesh and blood, as is often stated, they are also the future.

 

A child of any age, sex, religion, race and socio – economic background can fall victim and be easily exploited or abused as they are vulnerable in nature.

“Children can be easily enticed, seduced, trapped with almost nothing,” as quoted by Father Cilia, who, besides being the Director of Youth Centre, Shillong, is a highly respected counselor. In the words of Mr. Rana, IPS, “If children are abused and become criminals, our society is doomed because they are the future of our society.”

Abuse can take place in terms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Physical abuse includes physical injury such as excessive punishment, provision of insufficient amount of food, inadequate medical support and so forth.

Emotional abuse includes constant criticism, threats, rejection, withholding love, support and guidance. 

Furthermore, sexual abuse includes rape, indecent exposure, commercial exploitation through sex or the production of pornographic material.    

Another kind of abuse is termed as social abuse. This refers to commercial and other forms of exploitation of a child. It includes child labour, child trafficking and children in commercial sex trade. Such activities are detrimental to the child’s wellbeing.

When children are abused, their whole outlook of life also changes. As they grow up, they tend to act out their pain on society and may be at greater risk for problems in their future life such as low academic achievements, drug use, early pregnancies and criminal behaviour that affect not only the child and the family, but society as a whole.

Child abuse is often found to be prevalent within the family and the abuser is often known to the child. A report says that young girls who are victims of abuse sometimes become sexually active as a way of ‘finding love’. Such victims are often found to be suffering from Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and undergo abortion due to unwanted pregnancies.

We all believe that today’s children are tomorrow’s future. Anything that harms children has a negative effect on society. If one child is abused, it is a tragedy not only for the family but also for society at large. Life is a blessing but the tragedy of life is not death but living on while something within you has died.  

As individuals, we have different views and opinions with regards to the growing trend of crimes against children. Some say that westernisation plays a vital role in contributing to the rise of certain crimes against children, pornography, media influence, indulgence in intoxicants and degradation of moral values. Others say that it is mostly due to parental conflicts, poor implementation of the legal system, poverty and stigmatization. In the present scenario, these factors are held responsible for the rising trend of crimes against children.

It can be said that due to easy access to the internet and obscene media, sexual crimes are on the rise. For an abuser, it is not enough to watch and read, he gradually reaches a stage of insufficiency and then he begins to do what he has read and seen. This is termed by Father Cilia as ‘Acting Out’.

The issue of crimes against children is very sensitive, yet it can be seen as an unstructured issue. For example, if an elder beats up a child for stealing, he thinks that it is a well deserved punishment for the child. However, in reality, this will prove hazardous to the child as he / she may carry the scar for a lifetime. Their heart is hardened in such a way that they affect society in criminal ways. It is heartbreaking to see that child abuse often forces a child to become violent and difficult to communicate with.

Many of the things that one needs can wait. Childhood is a stage where a child’s bones are being formed and set, blood made and senses developed. The things we need can wait but the care and protection needed by a child can not be left unattended. The answer to a child’s inquisitiveness is ‘today’ and never ‘tomorrow’. As actions speak louder than words, so also, in order to tackle the ongoing issues of children, one must act now.

As concerned citizens, we all have a role to play in building a strong society so that children can live in a nurturing and healthy environment. “A child safe is life safe,” quoted Mr. Rana (IPS). 

‘Charity begins at home’ is a saying that we all believe in. Indeed, the family is said to be the primary source where the foundation of a child is laid. If each family feeds its children with value – based education, support, love, appreciation and provides all the necessities that they need, respecting their opinions and decisions, then their children will undoubtedly become productive citizens in the near future. Institutions like schools, colleges, universities, churches, etc can also play their roles in imparting education and ethics and assisting children in personality growth without disregarding anyone.

Besides, various Non – governmental Organisations (NGOs) whose services cater to child development have emerged. For instance, ‘CHILDLINE’ is one of the NGOs in Meghalaya which works 24/7 for children in need of care and protection. Its aim is to reach out to the most marginalised children between the age group of 0 – 18 years, and provide interventions of shelter, medical, rescue, death related, sponsorship, emotional support and guidance. Nonetheless, the agency needs our strong support and action. Consequently, the message that CHILDLINE conveys to each member of the society is, “If YOU see a Child in Distress, Call 1098” which is its TOLL FREE NUMBER. This is just one of the many organisations which deal with child abuse, the others being the Voluntary Health Association of Tripura which is based in Agartala (0381 2311098), NIPCCD, Indian Council For Child Welfare which is based in Guwahati (0361 245479, 0361 2301519), The Department of Anth-Manipur University, Manipur Voluntary Health Association, Manipur Mahila Kalyan Samiti based in Imphal (0385 2446413, 0385 2435738).

If all members of the society perform their duties effectively in helping such children and focusing on their security, providing them with proper guidance and attention, the issue of abuse or exploitation might be reduced if not completely resolved. The plight of these children and the frustration that they feel is unbearably tough. Thus, it may change their attitude towards society and can increase their social, personal and physical barrier.

Likewise, the state too should make an effort to provide the maximum care and protection for the child’s survival and development. Legislative measures must be strictly enforced against those perpetrators who try to abuse children as this will definitely prevent others from committing such crimes. Further, good legislators who are concerned about the welfare of people in general and children in particular are required so that such issues are brought to the table and legal action is taken. The coordination and participation of both society and the state will undeniably lead to the foundation of a just society.

“Sow the seeds of goodness; leave the harvesting to the world,” is a saying which carries a lot of meaning for those who truly understand the meaning of these words. A lot can be done and little can be given to these children in order for them to have a full fledged childhood. The dusk has gone and let a new dawn prevail with a ray of hope and contentment providing a platform for all children to grow and become ‘THE BLAZING LIGHTS OF TOMORROW’.

The world may be shamefully filled with deceit and malicious lies but there is still goodness in it. Little joys and happiness are a part of it. It is a great possession in changing times.