Child Sexual Abuse - Empowering Humanity

The sexual abuse of children is a fundamental violation of their rights. It is a universal and complex problem. It includes a range of abusers, different forms of abuse, and varies in the type and degree of impact on the victim.

Since the First World Congress against the Sexual Exploitation of Children, in 1996, which served to focus attention on the issue, there has been a substantial increase in activities designed to counter a potential increase in the incidence of abuse, and its negative impact on children. Interventions have increased through specific targeted projects, and most significantly through an increased recognition that sexually abused and exploited.

children are frequently the same children who are facing a range of difficulties. They are the school going children, displaced and refugee children, street children, children in hazardous labor etc.

The outcomes of sexual abuse are very harmful for children; they are similar to those of depression or severe anxiety and nervousness. Mostly children face health trouble, as well as they don’t want to participate in any physical activities; victim is always hiding and avoiding a specific person for no reason.

They withdraw themselves from normal and regular activities. This will be the reason for poor performance in school and class participation.

Solution

In light of the staggering statistics and the devastating effects of child sexual abuse, Empowering Humanity is taking the next step to address this issue. The CSA Awareness Program of Empowering Humanity reaches out to children between the age groups of 7- 14 years.

We aim to protect children by educating them and their teachers/parents on how to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse. The outcomes of sexual abuse are very harmful for children; they are similar to those of depression or severe anxiety and nervousness.

Mostly children face health trouble, as well as they don’t want to participate in any physical activities; victim is always hiding and avoiding a specific person for no reason. They withdraw themselves from normal and regular activities. This will be the reason for poor performance in school and class participation.

Specifically, we at Empowering Humanity:

Sensitize the school community on CSA, what it is, the effects, and what should be done.
Set up efficient counseling services.
Employ child protection team in every school, train them.
Set up a group of senior students in every school as master trainer to train each and every student of school about CSA.

Multi-disciplinary and integrated prevention programs

There has been an expansion of activity, particularly cross agency and multi-disciplinary work aimed at those considered to be particularly vulnerable or at risk of abuse through sexual exploitation. The aim of our organization is to ensure that volunteers working directly with vulnerable students, are fully aware of a range of critical issues, including sexual abuse and exploitation, and are equipped to promote both prevention and response actions as part of their overall range of interventions.

Promoting awareness through mobilization in related communities

In this segment Empowering Humanity strengthens school resources, including mobilizing other students within their own communities, as a strategy for prevention of abuse. The program includes material that develops and promotes the concept, and offer strategies and guidance for stimulating positive change.

Community Connections

Community workshops are conducted to educate and spread awareness about sexual abuse for community people mostly younger ones. For example: live performances such as plays or theater, puppet shows, rallies to illustrate parenting skills or reporting sexual abuse.

Building networks

The program needs networks to protect children, who have experienced sexual abuse. Links between organizations and service providers at either end of the CSA are essential, if children are to be successfully reintegrated without additional trauma. This would involve ensuring both sides of the chain have information about the child, their experiences and their home environment.

Public awareness and advocacy

Public awareness of sexual abuse is not immediately a part of a recovery strategy; it is though linked in terms of support networks, public awareness and a child’s self-esteem. The information needs to promote an approach that recognizes children as victims of abuse, who need help and support rather than stigma and criminalization. It needs to reflect childhood as a stage during which all young people below the age of 18 require consideration and protection.