An urgent call for help

Thursday, 5 July 2012 00:47 -     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Each day brings shocking events to light in Sri Lanka, but few have the stun factor of the Chairman of the Akuressa Pradeshiya Sabha being arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl last month.



Media reports noted that the 48-year-old suspect was arrested by the Woman and Child Protection Bureau of the Matara Police and was produced before the Magistrate’s Court the same day. This incident is shocking for two reasons: One is that such a high-ranking politician was arrested – and it can only be hoped that he will suffer the maximum penalty available under the law; secondly, that the growing menace of child abuse must be minimised as an urgent measure.

When the war ended, all Sri Lankans heaved a sigh of relief as it seemingly signified the end of violence and destruction that destroyed the lives of thousands. However, increased deterioration of law and order since then has resulted in the number of abuses rising exponentially. An average of four children are abused every day in Sri Lanka, this is by tallying official statistics, while unofficial ones put the figure higher.

According to a report that was released by the Police in February last year, 1,085 cases of child rape and 1,503 child molestation and abuse cases were reported. According to statistics, 758 children have been sexually molested and another 745 have been sexually abused. There were nine cases of incest by a family member. Meanwhile, 22 cases of child murders, 54 child abductions, 10 attempted murders and 247 cases of child assault cases have also been recorded last year.

The Police has remarked that there has been an increase in incidents related to children last year and during last year the National Child Protection Authority had received more than 20,000 complaints. The shocking part is that this might just be the tip of the iceberg. Civil organisations estimate that more than 15 per cent of all cases persecuted in Sri Lanka are related to child abuse.

The children behind the numbers make for the sorriest story of all. While there is much that the public sector can do, the list for the private sector also remains long. CSR programs and other initiatives need to be targeted at making a real difference in the lives of children. Awareness raising is important, but funding, intervention and rehabilitation of abuse victims need to take predominance in a scenario where abuse is becoming increasingly normalised.

The Child and Welfare Ministry has considered introducing the death penalty for offenders and legalising selective abortion for victims of incest. These steps need careful consideration, but stronger penalties for offenders are a must together with services that help traumatised children return to society has complete citizens.

A time of peace should not be headlined by horrific stories of seven-year-olds being killed after gang rape or almost daily stories of statutory rape. There cannot be any excuse from society as a whole for letting these crimes take place. Development also encompasses protecting Sri Lanka’s children from paedophiles and psychopaths.

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