Child abuse must stop!

I have no intention of presenting statistics to you. The media has been flooded with them throughout the past few months, but I say, “Enough! This madness must end.”

Is it possible for “right thinking” human beings to sit in their comfort zones and do nothing while the children in our society are raped, murdered, abused and subject to untold misery? Who is to be blamed?

Those who are responsible for law and order in the country; the clergy; those responsible for children’s care and well being, including family, close relatives and gurus have all failed; and even children themselves have failed, as demonstrated most inhumanly in the Kirulapone rape/murder case. Worse still, if a child is no longer safe even with her own father, who can be trusted?

Yes, perpetrators must be punished severely through the legal system. Laws must not only be passed but also implemented without bias. Simultaneously each one of us regardless of gender should wake up from our apathy.

There are very valid reasons why men should take a lead in this particular issue. It has become necessary for you to speak up and clear your name. A minority of your kind are continuing to convey the wrong message to the rest of society. Should you not react?

Should you not create sufficient social stigma against these ‘sub-humans,’ so that the thought of abusing a child would not cross any male mind for the consequences the sane males around them would mete out would be too dreadful to face? Isolation, rejection and shame could be very strong deterrents. Those who violate children must fear the wrath of those who refuse to stoop so low; and not the other way around.

I urge you to help find solutions to this pressing issue. If you suspect or witness any form of atrocity against children, do not turn a blind eye or justify such actions – there is no justification for child abuse! The offender’s position of power or his relationship to you should not make a difference. Look around you for opportunities to either initiate solutions or join hands with others who are taking steps against this heinous trend.

Women have been agitating for centuries. Girls and women throughout the world are still humiliated and treated worse than animals. Often they feel too ashamed to speak up. Will you not do all you can to protect your children, both male and female, and protest against those who bring disgrace to your kind? Today it is someone else’s problem, tomorrow it might be yours.

I appeal to all the decent males out there to contribute in every possible way to cleanse our beautiful island of this sickening and inhuman epidemic. There is no mosquito repellent which can be easily purchased. There is no easy fix. These maniacs must be stopped. Will you not unleash the gentleman in you? An Emerald shirt will not do!

This is not ‘just’ a women’s issue! There are quite a few men who have already taken giant steps in the right direction. Change agents are desperately needed – be one!

R.Neloma Wijesinghe