In March 2023, we saw a sharp increase in violence against children, with 75 incidents of abuse reported in the media, compared to 53 in February. Of the 89 children identified as victims of these 75 incidents, 53 were female. The majority of the 81 abusers were either relatives of the victims or known to the victims. The incidents occurred across 21 districts. Sexual abuse continues to be the leading form of violence against children. In light of this disturbing trend, immediate measures must be taken to curb such crimes against children and to provide necessary protection and support for the victims. During that month, we also observed that the Balapitiya High Court has sentenced a former principal to 30 years in prison and a fine of Rs. 100,000 for abusing a child 19 years ago.
Child abuse categories
The data provided show that child abuse incidents committed in March were high in number. Sexual abuse accounted for the highest number of incidents at 38.7%, with negligence and physical abuse coming in at 13.3% each. Homicide and abduction were also significant with five and seven cases, respectively. There were comparatively fewer instances of corporal punishment, attempted murder, drug abuse and missing children. From the data, it is evident that sexual abuse is the leading type of child abuse. Sexual abuse has a major impact on children’s physical and mental health. It is important for the duty bearers including communities to take concrete measures to curb all types of abuse.
There were 89 victims involved in the 75 child abuse incidents that were reported in the media in March. A total of 36% of them experienced sexual abuse. The next highest number of victims was from 10 incidents of physical abuse, with 19 victims (21.3%), which is a much higher percentage. Negligence has 10 victims or 11.2% of the total victims. A total of 7.9% of the victims were abducted, and 5.6% were killed. Overall, the data show that sexual abuse and physical abuse are the two most prevalent types of child abuse, accounting for almost 60% of the reported incidents.
Victims by gender
The data provided by the media monitoring team show that out of the total of 89 reported victims, 59.6% were female, 37.1% were male, and 3.4% were unknown. This suggests that girls are more vulnerable to abuse than boys, with a significantly higher number of female victims. Furthermore, the data reveal that sexual abuse is the most common type of abuse reported, with 35% of the total reported cases being sexual abuse. Out of the 25 victims who reported sexual abuse, 84% were female and 16% were male. This highlights the disproportionately higher incidence of sexual abuse towards females. However, it is important to note that male victims also suffer abuse, with physical abuse being the most common type reported, accounting for 42% of the total reported cases. Out of the 15 victims who reported physical abuse, 66.7% were male.
Age group of the victims
According to the data, children between the ages of 15 and 18 years account for 33.7% of all the victims of child abuse, making them the age group that is most likely to experience it. Sexual abuse is more common in this age group. The next age range, comprising 21.3% of the victims, is between 11 and 14 years. They are mainly subjected to physical abuse. A total of 18% of the victims are aged 6 to 10 years, while 8% are under the age of 5 years. Infants and toddlers under the age of one make up 6% of all children. The remaining 13% are unspecified age groups.
Geographic distribution
This data show that Jaffna is the District with the highest reported rate of child abuse, at 14%. The Colombo and Gampaha Districts have the next highest rates, at 9%. Kalutara and Galle have the third highest rate, at 7% and 6%, respectively. The remaining Districts have a rate of 6% or lower, with the lowest rate being zero. These figures suggest that child abuse is most prevalent in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, with Jaffna having the highest rate. It is important to note that the data only show reported cases of child abuse and not actual cases. In many areas, child abuse is still under-reported due to a lack of awareness and understanding of the issue. Additionally, many cases of child abuse go unreported due to fear or shame. It is essential that more efforts are made to increase awareness of the issue and ensure that victims feel comfortable reporting abusive situations. Overall, the data show that child abuse is an issue that needs to be addressed in all parts of the country. It is important to note that some areas are more affected than others, such as Jaffna. It is essential that efforts are made to improve the reporting of cases and to seek assistance for the victims.
Child abusers
This analysis is based on reported incidents of child abuse in March. The total number of incidents reported in the media was 75, with 81 perpetrators involved. Of those perpetrators, 28 were related to the family of the victim, 31 were not related but close to the victim or the family, 19 were strangers, and three were unknown. From this data, we can see that the majority of abusers (73%) are those who are close to the victim, whether they are related or not. This is concerning, as it implies that children may be more at risk of abuse when they are in close proximity to their abuser. It also indicates that in the vast majority of the cases, the perpetrator is someone known to the victim, which could make it more difficult for the victim to report the abuse. The fact that 22 (27.2%) of the abusers were strangers and unknown to the child is also a cause for concern.
Child deaths in accidents
Child abuse is any action, whether intentional or unintentional, that threatens or impedes a child's physical or emotional development. This definition does however make a distinction between abuse and accidents that kill a child or result in injury, damage, or loss. This section covers tragic accidents related to the deaths of children. In March, the media reported that there were 17 child deaths due to various accidents. The primary cause of death was traffic accidents, which resulted in eight fatalities, closely followed by drowning with seven fatalities. There was also one death from electrocution and one death from a home accident. The death of a seven-month-old female infant who died after becoming trapped in a wooden fence surrounding a bed is the saddest news of all the tragic deaths. An 18-year-old boy also died from electrocution. These tragic deaths remind us of the value of protecting children and providing them with adequate supervision.
Incidents of child abuse in the past three months
This comparison examines the coverage of child abuse in the news in the months of January, February, and March. This shows a worrying trend of rising abuse. The data show that sexual abuse incidents increased the most in March, with 29 incidents reported, compared to 15 cases in January and 19 in February. The number of reports of physical abuse also went up steadily, from nine in January to six in February to 10 in March. In January, there were 11 homicides that were reported, but in February, there were 16. Sadly, the good news is that the number of cases has now dropped to 5 in March. One negligence case was reported in January, two in February, and nine incidents in March, representing a marginal increase in the number of cases. The number of reported abduction cases also sharply rose, from one each in January and February to seven in March. Additionally, there were three cases of attempted murder reported in January, one in February, and two in March. With one case in January, two cases each in February and March, the number of missing children increased as well. One and two cybercrime incidents, respectively, were reported in each of the months of February and March. Additionally, two cases of drug abuse involving children were reported in January.
Justice served after 19 years: Former principal receives 30 years in jail for sexually abusing a child
A former Principal of the Godahena Kanishta Vidyalaya in Ambalangoda received a sentence of 30 years in prison and was also ordered to pay the victim Rs. 100,000 by the Balapitiya High Court Judge. In addition, the Judge imposed a fine of Rs. 15,000. The Attorney General filed this case against him under three charges, primarily for sexually abusing a minor girl. Prosecutors proved the charges against the perpetrator beyond a reasonable doubt, but it cannot take away the trauma caused to the victim. The judgement came after 19 long years due to lengthy delays in the hearing of the case.
Child abuse cases are increasing in Sri Lanka, leading to a nationwide crisis. Delay in justice is harmful to everyone, including victims, perpetrators, the society and the judicial system, and can lead to re-victimisation and anxiety. The judicial system should ensure that children are better served and protected, and special attention should be given to victims of child abuse in order to ensure their mental and physical well-being. We call on the legal system to move child abuse cases along as quickly as possible. The future of the child will be negatively impacted by prolonging these cases. It is crucial that these cases are resolved as soon as possible for the victims to recover and move on with their lives. We recognise the value of due process, but it is also critical to keep in mind that children are especially defenceless and must be safeguarded.
(PEaCE / ECPAT Sri Lanka is a non-Governmental organisation focused on child protection by way of ending the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.)
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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.