Rise in violence: Children still unsafe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Children are not safe even in their own homes, according to the psychiatrists of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. They have issued a warning against the spurt in violence against children in the background of the fact that the 10-year-old girl at Kundara was sexually assaulted by her grandfather, 62. The MCH doctors say that 90 per cent of sexual harassment is committed by close relatives. Some 60 per cent of the perpetrators are aged, brothers, fathers or blood relatives.

"The rest of the perpetrators are uncles or father's brothers, other relatives or friends. In fact, only 10 per cent of strangers attack children. Children have to be careful about close relatives," said a psychiatrist. As per the World Health Organisation data, one in five persons in every family has mental illness and personality disorders though they might be acting normal.

"The solution from sexual attacks is to create awareness among the children and the family. Children should be told that none should touch them," said Dr. Mohan Roy, psychiatrist and resident medical officer of MCH. The incidents of sexual molestation should not be hidden out of shame. If such incidents are not brought to the attention of the police, the parents themselves can be booked under the POCSO Act.