When I started writing about child sexual abuse, I realised that there is more to it than what meets the eye. Child sexual abuse is rampant throughout the world; it exists as a knife in the heart of society, striking the young in more ways than one. Apart from the physical violation, they are mentally branded with a lifelong scar.
The little ones are robbed of their innocence at an age when they should be playing outdoors, enjoying a carefree childhood. Instead, they have to suffer unspeakable things at the hands of the evil that exists as to their relatives, employers, neighbours, or strangers. The child who many times is not able to comprehend what is happening to her/him silently takes in the burden of the malevolent.
When I researched the statistics, I was incredulous to note that 1 in 9 girls and 1 in 53 boys under the age of 18 experienced sexual abuse or assault at the hands of an adult. These children have been shoved into a dark and desolate world with the promise of a despondent future; a world where they silently bleed their best days.
Our responsibility is not just limited to the children in our family, but it extends to each of the children and adolescents who are being violated at the hands of such anti-social elements. We have to protect them from losing their innocence and strive hard to restore their dignity. Our earnest endeavours will go a long way to make this planet an ideal world where every child gets an opportunity and level playing field to grow up as a cherished individual to lead a worthy life. Let us all join to actively to be the change we want to be.
