Revelations, revelations and more revelations about the society that we live in.
And Oh! God! They are true!
A short walk out in the park became a rather extended two hour run with lots and lots of chatting! Casual chit chat soon turned into ‘interesting’ conversation, and then, the spooky theories about -marriage and the likelihood of marriage and the kinds of marriage and what works and doesnot work in a marriage. It didn’t take long for the two happily single friends to get stunned and scared about how things could be ‘theorised’ and more importantly, that shit! One day, sooner or later, this may really be a part of our lives- marriage that is, and to our respective spouses that is.
[Clarification intended, lest someone gets offended! :)]
When the incessant walk had almost tired me out, revelations followed that almost left me open mouthed, gaping! Damn! Not that I would like to reveal any of them here. But true, women better be on their guard, for you never know who eyes you with what eye. Even though we have freedom of life and personal liberty, the burden of protecting the same lies with us, the state cannot really be depended upon for the same. For the state of affairs is rather insane!
And at times like these I feel its great to have a boyfriend, for it somehow, helps you bother less. Not that the society is any kinder to taken women, for ‘taking a taken woman’ may just be more attractive, but personally, it may help to burden one less. And burden one lots otherwise maybe. :)
Oh! Its a complicated world.
But why am I surprised? Especially when I know that child abuse is rampant in this very society. Educated, married men, with a decent family and profession are violating children. Not just girls, but boys too! There are unsuspecting people who are, just so good at their game, of ruining childhoods, scarring them forever. How many kids are able to get out of ‘abused experiences’ on their own? There does not have to be sex involved in the same, a sexual gesture is enough. A wrong touch which gives you a creep is more than enough to send a child in a shell of horror! But of course, what happens is way more than ‘just’ a touch!
Child sexual abuse is extremely prevalent in our society. Its an open secret that discretely has been hidden- from the children, parents, and of course, the society. Of late there has been some talk about the same, but not enough. With some scandals coming to light, Goa being recognised as the child sex tourism hot spot, the Govt actually coming out with a report/ survey on CSA, and also a draft bill waiting to be put up in the ‘non functioning’ legislature to become a law. Some effort sure is on!
But on a personal level, how many parents tell their kids about the possibility of being abused, that its ok to refuse and whom to confide into? How many parents accept the child’s complain that he/she has been abused? And what do they about it, except keeping mum, and asking the child to do the same for the sake of reputation, family ties and the like? For in many a cases, the abuser is a known, trusted person, working on this relationship of trust! And it doesn’t happen only to the poor ones, but the rich and not so rich are equally vulnerable!
Its time to sensitise the society about the issue. Its time to get out and make some noise, to taboo this taboo and give the kids a life they deserve. There is an NGO down South that is doing great work in this field. Its called Tulir. I read about it long back in 2nd year of college. Was and am truly impressed with their holistic strategy to deal with the problem. Iv seen their posters in The Hindu paper- child section, teaching children whats the right and the wrong touch. Iv read about their drives and workshops with parents and schools, to sensitise them to signs of an abused child- changed behaviour, preference for seclusion, lack of trust and the like. I am sure they have saved many many children from facing hell, and I salute all those behind this effort for the wonderful work that they are doing.
(http://tulirindia.blogspot.com/
(http://tulirindia.blogspot.com/
We need more such Tulirs to save the future.
And as a passing thought it strikes me, that:
A child’s gullibility, and vulnerability, often fades away with time, age and experiences. But one’s past never really leaves one. And neither does the mistakes of others.
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