Child Abuse Is Tarnishing Indias Image

Child abuse is one among the most heinous crimes of all times. As such, there exists no particular definition for child abuse. However, it refers to the exploitation of a child physically, emotionally, sexually and mentally.”Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime” was quoted by Herbert Ward, an American footballer of the late eighteenth century. The maltreatment which they receive can be at anyone’s hands, either at home or from strangers too.

Such children are never able to grow up into full-fledged humans, their growth, thinking, understanding and comprehension abilities are hampered by the continuous bickering which they hear everyday. They are like wet cement; whatever falls on them surely makes an impression for a lifetime. In a bird’s eye view there are four types of abuses which children face worldwide. First comes the ‘physical abuse’ which refers to assault on the body by thrashing, torturing them by punching, kicking or burning or harming in any other way possible.

This kind of treatment is usually prevalent within families which are either orthodox by nature or acutely poor in economic conditions. The second one is ‘sexual abuse’ where either an older teenager or an adult deliberately tries to stimulate a child by pressurizing them into sexual stimulation. This can also be done by showing them any kind adult materials. In the thirdly place comes ‘emotional abuse’ or ‘psychological abuse’ which can lead to serious changes in behavior patterns and also result in mental trauma for the sufferer. Emotional abuse usually is received at the hands of someone close, and they can be family relatives, housekeepers and caretakers. More than half the cases which come to the fore are where the victim knows the torturer. In cases related to emotional exploitation the best way to use teens is ‘blackmailing’.

Other ways of doing this kind of harm to them are by rejecting what they say in any matter, threatening and terrorizing as well as using derogatory words to make them feel bitter at heart. ‘Neglecting’ a child is also considered as an abuse because it directly affects their economic conditions. It can also refer to abandonment which in many cases has been the reality too. Child abuse is a practice which has been a stagnant issue for more than four decades. In order to reduce such exploits people should ensure that children aren’t victimized by anyone and anywhere.

The callous attitude of adults towards such atrocity fuels the fire even more and makes it unbearable even for the young ones facing it. Everyone needs to make aware of their rights with parents or adopters for protection, food and shelter. There is an urgent requirement of implementation of strict laws. India’s weakness has made countless sufferers’ plight go in vain. The civil society and NGOs need to be more vigilant about any such occurrences which happen in their vicinity and other areas as well. A strong networking among NGOs, communities, civil societies and government is an absolute must in today’s time. Child abuse can be eradicated only when all forces come together and stand united to all situations in order to give such children a better life ahead.