CHENNAI: The common perception among the public is that the child sexual abuse can only happen to a girl child. But, numerous studies state that more than half of the victims are boys and adding to the irony, awareness camps on the topic in Chennai seldom witness parents of a boy child.
In a bid to spread awareness on the topic and educate the public that boys are more prone to sexual abuse, AWARE (Awareness for Wo+Men to Advocate their Rights and Equality) NGO in collaboration with the Madras Literary Society (MLS) would conduct awareness campaigns at open spaces with more footfall including parks, libraries and museums.
The first camp will be held on 1 July will be held on 1 July at MLS, Nungambakkam. “Kids aged below 12, irrespective of the gender have high chances of being abused by their guardians or immediate relatives. As most of the people are living in nuclear families with parents having no time to spend with their children, many cases are not reported,” said Sandhiyan Thilagavathy, founder, AWARE.
