High time to act!

The past few days have been literally harrowing for Keralites. We woke up to the news of Thushara, a native of Karunagappally, who was starved to death by her husband and mother-in-law in the name of dowry and black magic, and the seven-year-old boy from Thodupuzha, who was brutally beaten up by his mother’s live-in partner. The boy, who is still struggling for life, was attacked by Arun Anand right in front of his four-year-old sibling. The victim’s brother later confessed to the police that Arun had sexually abused both his brother and him. A case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 has been registered against Arun. In Thushara’s case, she was denied food for days, and survived consuming only soaked rice and sugar syrup. She weighed only 20 kg at the time of her death. It has been reported that none of the local people informed the police about it owing to the fear of being ‘destroyed’ by her husband and his mother, who practised occult.     

These incidents bring back those questions surrounding all kinds of abuse. What is abuse? What should we do when we learn about an abuse case? And, how should it be dealt with?

What is abuse?
To begin with, abuse is not just confined to physical attack. It could be any behaviour with the purpose of gaining control over the other person. One can be abused physically, sexually, emotionally, financially or verbally. Even isolation and using the male privilege to control women and children come under the definition of abuse.

How to inform:
When you learn about a case of abuse, the first step towards solving it is to inform the authorities concerned. There are organisations willing to help women and children in trouble. For instance, if you come across a child abuse case, inform the Childline, Child Welfare Committee or the nearest police station. If it is women who are getting abused, approach the Women’s Cell, says Sathi M.C., Sub-inspector, Women’s Cell.

In fact, it is our responsibility to report cases of abuse, reminds Lalithamol Thomas, Child Development project officer, Department of Women and child development, ICDS, Kochi Urban Three. One of the reasons why people refrain from informing authorities is their fear. They are afraid whether their names will be revealed. However, it is not like that. Helpline services like Childline do not reveal the source of information. “Just call the helpline numbers and tell them that you know about such a case in an area. Ask them to consider it. Otherwise, bring it to the notice of local authorities,” adds Lalithamol.   

Once you report a case, the helpline services will pass the information to the police station in that area, and the police will do a detailed inquiry into the matter.

Help at hand:

In a recent Mammootty-starrer Malayalam movie Great Father that discusses child abuse, they have shown the police interrogating victims of abuse in a disturbing manner. But the reality is entirely different. Our police follow a holistic and friendly approach towards victims. Though approaches differ according to the nature of the case, the first step towards solving the issue is counselling the victims. “That will help them overcome the trauma they have gone through, and return to normalcy,” says Sathi.

Lalithamol concurs. “In a child abuse case, the first thing we do is to counsel the child,” she says. “Be it a child or adult, we have to listen to that person’s account. Then only we will get details such as when, where and how it happened, or who all were involved in the act,” she explains. However, that is not done quickly. “For instance, in child abuse cases, we first befriend them and give them the time to get convinced about us. They should trust us and feel safe with us. Only then will they talk. Then, we will collect the details from them without hurting their sentiments,” she adds. “We handle mostly family-related issues,” says Lalithamol. There are two Women’s Cells in each district. You can directly complain at the office.  “We talk to them, understand their problems and give counselling. It has been good so far," Sathi says.  

Legal aid:
Problems that can be solved with counselling will be handled at their end. Those that need legal assistance will be directed to the offices concerned.  “Severe cases need legal help. In such cases, we direct them to organisations like the Child Rights Commission and the Women’s Commission. They will help victims,” says Lalithamol.

Follow-up:
Counselling will continue till the victims get emotionally balanced. And, the protection officers do follow-ups to ensure that they are doing well. “We will provide counselling till they feel that they can handle situations on their own. Also, we keep in touch with them,” says Laithamol. “We tell them to come and meet us. If they forget, we remind them. At least, we enquire about their well-being over the phone,” explains Sathi. The officials also urge victims to register case against offenders, not to compromise at the end.  

Sathi is happy to say that women are bravely coming forward with complaints. The Cell also organises workshops to equip women and children with safety techniques that may come handy in crucial situations. Now, as help is at hand, all we need to do is use it for a better and safe future.