When home is no longer safe
“I never imagined that any one from my community could ever perform such a terrible crime”
. . .said Tara, a member of the Child Protection Unit.
The incident has shocked Tara and the rest of the community. Two innocent children Kajal and her cousin, Priya were sexually abused by their neighbour.
An old man who lived just above their house often lured the children into his house with sweets and money. For Kajal and Priya, treats were rare in their family.
Both Kajal and Priya’s parents are daily wage laboureres, who have no other choice but to leave the girls home alone while they work. The man made use of the absence of the parents and the children’s vulnerability and sexually abused them. The children were shocked and too petrified to speak up. They kept it to themselves for a week.
Kajal and Priya participated in in World Vision India’s programmes for children’s groups, that raised awareness on Safe and Unsafe Touch, POCSO Act and Child Rights. in her community.
One fine day, the girls mustered the courage to speak up at one of the children’s group meetings. The children’s group members did not waste any time and informed Tara from the Child Protection Unit (CPU).
The children’s group and CPU work side by side to ensure the safety of children and women in the community.
An FIR (First Information Report) was lodged against the man. Soon he was arrested. The children’s group and the CPU members’ prompt action saved Kajal and Priya from further abuse and torments.
“I never imagined that any one from my community could ever perform such a terrible crime, I always stand for child protection and such culprits will never go unpunished. Children often cannot protect themselves that is why they need our help, support and protection,” says Tara.
“My children’s group is the source of strength for me. I will encourage each child in my community to be a part of the children’s group,” said Kajal.
World Vision India has set up around 20 children’s group in Kajal’s community in Faridabad, Haryana.