The person most likely to sexually abuse your child is a person your child knows – and trusts. Estimates 30% of close family members 60% of extended family members and those known to family. Only 10% are strangers.
Some Indian studies put known up to 89% Boy V/s girl : The global prevalence of child sexual abuse has been estimated at 19.7% for females and 7.9% for males in India it seems much higher.
Children of all ages, races, ethnicities, cultures, and economic backgrounds are vulnerable to sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse occurs in rural, urban, and suburban areas. It affects both girls and boys in all kinds of neighbourhoods and communities, and countries around the world.
In most cases, the perpetrator is male regardless of whether the victim is a boy or girl. RAHI NGO states that 75% of middle/upper-class women have been abused. 53% of all Indian children are victims of sexual abuse according to the government report (2007).
Children who have faced some amount of sexual abuse 53%. Children who report having been sexually assaulted 6%. Cases where the abuser was in a relationship of trust with the child 50%.
But Only awareness is not enough. Even those who have suffered abuse as children and well-aware of the problem do not take any steps to safeguard their children.
This research was conducted in 1996 – 97 in an elite colony with approximately 225 households in Jaipur. Major findings:
There are parts of our bodies that are good for people to touch. Hands
There are parts of our bodies which we might not like people to touch. Face Shoulders Tummy Thighs Feet
There are some parts of our bodies that are bad to touch. These are private parts and we should not touch anybody there or have them touch us there, where our underwear covers.
Sometimes people will need to touch your private parts. This should only happen when you need help. It might be when you need help to have a bath or shower. It might be if you need help on the toilet. It might be when the doctor or nurse has to check everything is ok.
A child should learn that God made their body very special. Every part of their body is good, but some parts of their body are private
No one should ever touch your private parts except to keep you clean or healthy.
Never agree to keep it a secret.
Tell someone you trust.
Teach your child awareness of dangerous activities and the lures used to entice children.
Is your child vulnerable to grooming tactics? A child’s need for love is stronger than his need to avoid danger. Does your child know he is special to you.