Children becoming victims of violence at their homes
Children are the hope of the future. Sadly, every day, news comes out about children facing severe mistreatment somewhere in the state. Children are facing torture right inside the home, which should be the safest place. Stepfathers and stepmothers have become a nightmare for many children. The experience of a class IV student in Charummoodu, Alappuzha, who was constantly tortured by her father and stepmother, and the abuse from the stepfather who burned an eight-year-old boy with an iron box in Chavara, Kollam, have recently come to light. However, many incidents are not known to the outside world.
The information that the government is preparing to take strict action in this regard is very commendable. An action plan will be formulated for this. Education Minister V. Sivankutty has announced that a help box will be set up in schools for children facing abuse from relatives to lodge confidential complaints. Along with this, a census of children living under the care of stepmothers and stepfathers will be taken.
43,474 children have been victims of violence in the last ten years. 282 children have been killed, and 13,825 cases of sexual abuse have been registered. The number of children who have been abducted and have not been returned is 1871. These are shocking figures. The protection provided by parents is important for children. Children who grow up in that loving care will become smart and intelligent. However, children who live with a stepfather and stepmother often face neglect. Not everyone is like that, but when children experience discrimination and harassment at home, they will initially hide it out of fear. We are even hearing about incidents of children being given alcohol and cannabis. Some parents with mental health problems also abuse their children emotionally and physically. There are many who lash out the rage caused by marital problems at their children.
Domestic violence can cause serious damage to the minds of children. Many become depressed or anxious. All this is reflected in the behaviour of children. This is a very unfortunate situation. The eight-year-old girl who suffered brutal torture from her stepmother in Charummoodu, Alappuzha, requested not to do anything to her father and that they be forbidden from harming her again, which is a symbol of the pure mind of children. The life experience of that child, who studies well and works as a school leader despite facing all this cruelty, is heartbreaking.
Such incidents should not be repeated again. It is good to formulate a census and action plan, but it should be implemented effectively. Those who are cruel to children should be brought to justice and given severe punishment. Severe punishment is essential to prevent such mistakes from being repeated by others. Children should be made aware of such things in schools so that they can openly tell their teachers. Local bodies and residents' associations can intervene in this matter. They can monitor whether such cruelties are happening in the homes of their area and create awareness. The suggestion is not that they should go inside the house and check. Even if there is good awareness outside the house, it will be of great benefit.