Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran is concerned with the data of child negligence under the Child Welfare Act National Database as it shows that child abuse and neglect happens within a child’s safe space.
She says according to the Child Welfare Act National Database, 68% of the 1,968 cases that were reported in 2022, were of child neglect, physical abuse and sexual abuse.
Kiran says 79% of the perpetrators are known to the victims and of the 79%, 60% are immediate family members.
The Assistant Minister says parental responsibility means providing a safe living environment for your child, protecting your child from abuse and other forms of harm, and fulfilling your child’s basic needs such as food, water and shelter.
Kiran says when parents and guardians fail to fulfill their responsibility, the consequences can be serious.
She adds children may suffer from neglect or physical and physiological abuse and this can often lead to children being on the streets and even child trafficking.
The Assistant Minister says the theme for this year’s World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect that will be celebrated on the 19th of November is “Every child is one caring adult away from a success story. It starts with us”.
She says this year, they would like to raise awareness on parental responsibility and one way parents can practice this is through the CHILD acronym.
C is for communicate with your child
H is for help your child to fulfill his/her dreams
I is for invest in your child’s future
L is for love your child, and
D is for devote to spending time with your child
The Minister says children have a difficult world to navigate and it is important that they have a loving and strong support system to guide and empower them through circumstances they are faced with.
We are also awaiting comments from Police on how child negligence cases are being dealt with in light of the increasing number of young people loitering in towns and cities.
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