Awareness cum Workshop on Child Sexual Abuse
Team “Project Baalrakshak”, under the aegis of Child Rights and You (CRY) – IIT Kharagpur Volunteer Chapter, has conducted its 34th awareness cum workshop session successfully on Saturday at Kharagpur Mission Living School.
There were two different sessions held for students and their parents separately.The students were split into two manageable groups, namely, classes K.G. to IV as one group and classes V to VIII as another group. The medium of instruction for these groups was Hindi. The speakers in both the children’s sessions gave a brief introduction about Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). An ice-breaking interaction between the speakers and the children was held. They were asked to share their interests in cartoons, movies, superheroes, etc. Their parents and teachers are portrayed as their real-life Superheroes. The meaning of the word ‘Danger’ was explained to them. During such dangerous situations, the importance of trust and honesty towards their parents and teachers was emphasized. An animated short movie (“Komal”) produced by CHILDLINE India
organization was shown to the students. A few questions were asked about their observations from that animated movie.
The students were then taught about the meaning of SAFE-TOUCH and UNSAFE-
TOUCH. Subsequently, they were informed about the four private parts of the human body,
namely: (1) Mouth (2) Chest (3) Below the belly and between the legs, and (4) Below the waist.
Additionally, these definitions were taught by respective demonstrations from session speakers. It
was also explained that no person, in no circumstances could touch, see or talk about these four
private parts, and they should also strictly avoid touching, seeing, or talking about others’ private
parts. However, in a few exceptional circumstances, others may touch their private parts, which
are as follows: (1) Parents’ touch for bathing or changing clothes when a child is sick; (2) Doctor’s
touch during check-ups, but in the presence of the parents; (3) Seldom mistakenly while playing
with friends, (4) In Emergency situations such as accidents etc. It was explained that how they
should hit, shout “NO” and run away from someone who tries to touch them inappropriately. This
self-defense technique was demonstrated by the session speakers. They were asked to complain
about the abuser, to prevent him or her from abusing them again. It was also explained that it is
never their fault when someone abuses them, and it can occur irrespective of their gender.
Also, CHILDLINE India’s toll-free helpline phone number 1098 was also introduced to children,
and they were instructed to dial in case of any distress. Finally, the students are made to take an
oath to inform their parents or teachers if they are a victim of any kind of child sexual abuse.
Moreover, at the end of their workshop, the students who have demonstrated the definitions
of private parts and self-defense technique were rewarded with badges mentioning “Superhero of
the Day”, thereby cherishing memories.
The medium of instruction in Parents’ session was Bengali. In parents’ session, they were
told about how common child sexual abuse is and how they could ensure a safer environment for
their child’s growth. They were told about various symptoms which would be visible in their child
if they become a victim of such abuse. Also, they were made aware of how to deal with such
scenarios and how to contact CHILDLINE Helpline, i.e., 1098. The child counsellor has delivered
an elaborate lecture to all the parents about the negative behavioral effects on their child’s growth
due to their lack of information or ignorance in all such “taboo” issues. He had shed light on aspects
of shame, fear and other social factors that cannot outweigh their child’s physical, emotional and
mental wellbeing. Parents were also issued pamphlets in both Hindi and Bengali languages with
valuable information about the behavior of the victims.
Outcomes
The children of Kharagpur Mission Living School, Kharagpur, are now much more aware about
the definition of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the importance of self-defense. They have learned
about the CHILDLINE Helpline Number – 1098. Their parents are now much more cautious about
this prevalent social evil.
workshop was attended by 30 students from classes K.G. to IV and 30 students
from classes V to VIII, cumulatively 60 students in total.
The Parents’ session was attended by 39 parents of the children who were present.
School Faculty
- Mr. Alok Arick, Founder and Principal.
- Mrs. Shalini Arick, Rector.
- Ms. Mahmooda Khatoon, Teacher.
- Ms. Sumitha Sarkar, Teacher
- Ms. Abda Parveen, Teacher.
- Ms. Jaibun Nesha, Teacher.
- Ms. Nebuzan Bibi, Teacher.
Guests
- Mr. Sk. Mushtaq, Secretary, Gharib Nawaaz NGO +91 8759344785.
- Mr. Amaresh Das, Constable, Kharagpur Town Police Station.
- Mrs. Nomita Roy, Constable, Kharagpur Town Police Station.
- Mrs. Pinky Chakraborty, Constable, Kharagpur Town Police Station.
- Mr. T. N. Dubey, Principal, Oxford Convent High School, Malancha.
- Mr. S.A. Khan, Secretary, Youth Forum for Social Service NGO +91 9434369470.
Session Speakers
- Children’s workshop: Ms. Sonali Aatrai and Ms. Nazneen
- Parents’ session: Mr. Prasenjit Dey, Ms. Gargi Das and Mr. Ajay Shankar Tiwari
Team Members
- Mr. Ajay Shankar Tiwari 2. Ms. Gargi Das
- Ms. Sonali Aatrai 4. Ms. Nazneen
- Ms. Swachhatoa Ghosh 6. Ms. Neha Rai
- Mr. Arghya Poddar 8. Mr. B.V. Sreekanth
- Ms. Chinmayee Chowde Gowda 10. Ms. Debashree Paul
- Mr. Gourab Mondal 12. Mr. Krishna Das
- Ms. Kriti Chulet 14. Ms. Poulami Sengupta
- Ms. Vidisha Rai 16. Mr. Vijay Kr. Rai
