CHILD ABUSE AT HOME

Dangers lurking at home

Homes are heaven for children where they feel safe and loved under the shield of their parents. The world maybe evil, but the child believes home is where his feelings and interests will be considered and respected lifelong.  In early age children are the reflection of their parents. They walk on the path as their parents, grasps and learn things from home. Home is the chief school. The child molds its character according to the environment generated.

But what if danger for children is lurking at home itself? The child grows up in a violent and negative environment and shapes himself in the same way. This can be substantiated treacherous as the child may suffer emotional damage or rise up in viciousness being a delinquent juvenile.

A substantial rise in reports and registration of the case of incest rape, the National crime data divulges and confirms the trend that majority of the victims are minors. The statistics available on domestic violence and other forms of violence against women are startling. Our long cherished norms of home being safe place for children are worn-out, the world outside is where they walk in peril from strangers.

Fathers are the breadwinner, who safeguard the honor of the house, although will some fathers and other family members continue abuse their children?  Negative tables are turning up with regularity—a father beating up his daughter to death publicly in Karachi for not making round chapattis. Parent’s role is guiding their children and improving them when erroneous. Beating up a child for not making a round chapatti is paramount explains of child abuse costing death of minors for puerile reason. For some children the 

Cinderella story turns true where step-parents beat up children black and blue, burning with cigarettes or not taking care of their welfare.  They “harm through omission,” states to a disappointment to provide the child with satisfactory nourishment, apparel, housing, schooling, supervision or health care, providing the parent or guardian is financially sound.

We have child right against violence for protection for children. But this is not ideal. Education and information of rights in early age should be mandatory for child to fight back or seek help as much as possible then comportment the daily ferocity.  Child can also seek help from JJB. 

SAYALI PARAB