Prevention-oriented program on sexual abuse should be included in curriculum: Kerala High Court

KOCHI: The High Court has directed to include prevention-oriented program on sexual abuse as part of school curriculum from the next academic year. The Government of Kerala and CBSE should issue orders regarding this. An expert committee be appointed within two months to identify the mode and methodology for imparting this program, ordered Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas.

The single bench issued the directive while considering the bail plea of 23-year old, accused in sexual assault of a 15-year old girl, who became pregnant. The expert committee should submit its report within six months. Based on this, the government and CBSE should implement the program from the next academic year. The High Court has suggested that the 'Erin's Law', which has been implemented in 37 US states to prevent sexual abuse of children, can be followed here as well. The CBSE explained that it had issued guidelines in 2014 and 2017 for prevention and awareness of sexual assault. The court held that this would be effective if implemented and the circular issued by the state government in 2015 was not effective.