Despite being highlighted in the media time and again, the abuse of children and the elderly alike seems to be on the rise, with an increase in the number of cases being recorded annually. According to a survey carried out in the Jaffna District in 2018, out of 246 responders who have reportedly carried out child abuse, 156 individuals, which is 63.4%, were doctors. Thus it may appear that education does not play a part in these horrendous actions.
However, with recent developments in the national child protection agenda, with a matron of an orphanage in Anuradhapura being arrested over allegations of abuse, and the surveys carried out on these actions, it has come to the attention of authorities that these incidents often go unreported due to various reasons. One of the key contributors towards this non-recording of most cases of abuse is the fact that abusers tend to be the family members or guardians of victims.
In discussion with how the Government can tackle the problem of abuse, The Sunday Morning spoke to a few members of the society, and here’s what we found out:
Outdated laws and a lack of awareness
Mihiri Wanniarachchi, Attorney-at-Law
I am personally of the opinion that child abuse is increasing by leaps and bounds; cases are getting reported in substantial numbers, and that there are a magnitude of hidden cases as well.
Earlier in time, our parents taught us about stranger danger, thus creating a sense of caution in our minds, but nowadays abuse happens at home – which is supposed to be the safest place for a child.
Unfortunately, due to the cultural restraints and ignominy, most of the cases are not being reported. The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) and the National Child Protection Act No. 50 of 1998 exist, but they cannot cut the mustard, as they are outdated.
The lack of new laws, national guidelines, and awareness of sex education has given rise to these horrifying consequences. School awareness programmes are very important for parents and children, and also the huge space between school and society needs to be wrapped up with awareness about child abuse, as social media is eating up the empty minds of people.
Foster homes need regulation
Hosni Imtiaz, Director of Imtiaz Designers
In my point of view, abuse has been rapidly increasing in orphanages and elders homes. The reasons are the fact that people employed to work in these institutions don’t get paid well, and due to their frustration, they try to take it out on kids and the elderly. These kids and elders are helpless, as they are unable to counter-attack due to their situation. Given the atmosphere and nature of these institutions, and moreover since no form of proper supervision takes place, these employees get some sort of satisfaction by abusing children and elders.
Given the current situation, everyone is focused on Covid-19. I firmly believe that the ministries handling these areas should prioritise these issues. For example, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in our country is responsible for children’s homes. So if the responsibilities can be fulfilled by the relevant parties, I believe we can minimise cases.
The Ministry has to have proper rules and regulations when allowing institutions to start up orphanages and elders’ homes. Routine checkups need to be carried out to ensure that the environment is safe for people living there, and monitoring of these institutions to see if they are following government rules and regulations.
Awareness to prevent victimisation
Dr. S. Manojkumar, dental surgeon
Yes, they have been on the rise. The awareness of abuse in children and elders has increased significantly, leading to more cases being reported. The child trafficking, illicit drugs, paedophiles living within our society, child pornography, and sadistic individuals, seem to be contributing factors. The abuse of children in orphanages is difficult, because they don't have anyone to support them or report to, and the management would monitor their calls.
The NCPA seems to be working towards creating a database for monitoring abuse around the island. The help line, 1929, is available to help those vulnerable children. Schools should have sexual education classes to help children understand what is abuse and inappropriate touching. Counselling services should be made readily available to students, and the children shouldn't be cornered if the one who has been indulging in the practice seems to be in higher power, and a fair trial should take place.
Suffering in silence
- Thiloka, daycare owner
Hosni Imtiaz, Director of Imtiaz Designers
In my point of view, abuse has been rapidly increasing in orphanages and elders homes. The reasons are the fact that people employed to work in these institutions don’t get paid well, and due to their frustration, they try to take it out on kids and the elderly. These kids and elders are helpless, as they are unable to counter-attack due to their situation. Given the atmosphere and nature of these institutions, and moreover since no form of proper supervision takes place, these employees get some sort of satisfaction by abusing children and elders.
Given the current situation, everyone is focused on Covid-19. I firmly believe that the ministries handling these areas should prioritise these issues. For example, the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs in our country is responsible for children’s homes. So if the responsibilities can be fulfilled by the relevant parties, I believe we can minimise cases.
The Ministry has to have proper rules and regulations when allowing institutions to start up orphanages and elders’ homes. Routine checkups need to be carried out to ensure that the environment is safe for people living there, and monitoring of these institutions to see if they are following government rules and regulations.
Awareness to prevent victimisation
Dr. S. Manojkumar, dental surgeon
Yes, they have been on the rise. The awareness of abuse in children and elders has increased significantly, leading to more cases being reported. The child trafficking, illicit drugs, paedophiles living within our society, child pornography, and sadistic individuals, seem to be contributing factors. The abuse of children in orphanages is difficult, because they don't have anyone to support them or report to, and the management would monitor their calls.
The NCPA seems to be working towards creating a database for monitoring abuse around the island. The help line, 1929, is available to help those vulnerable children. Schools should have sexual education classes to help children understand what is abuse and inappropriate touching. Counselling services should be made readily available to students, and the children shouldn't be cornered if the one who has been indulging in the practice seems to be in higher power, and a fair trial should take place.
Suffering in silence
- Perera, activist
- Premalatha, housewife
- Nandasiri, researcher