Hyderabad: With new child welfare protection units set to begin, officials say that there needs to be better coordination between the child welfare department and the education department. As many as 31 child protection units will be opened in all districts. Although many animated videos have been released about child abuse, children are not often shown the same.
Imtiyaz Ali of district child protection unit (DCPU) says, “We released a lot of animated short films so that children will be interested in watching the same and will know what to do in case of an emergency. It clearly outlines good and bad touch. We hope that schools will show the same to kids from time to time. However, we have not been able to successfully communicate with the department.”
Similarly, the department will also be notifying teachers to inform the officials concerned in case of any aloof behaviour by a child which is a sign that he/she might be struggling from an abuse.” It is important that these cases are dealt with sensitivity. In case the child is being abused by someone close to the family, a proper counselling needs to be done. If we are informed in case of any suspicious behaviour by children, we can help the child and also the helpline will keep complainant’s identity anonymous.”
Priya Reddy, a psychologist says, “When children realise that they are being abused, they tend to grow silent. If the perpetrator is at home, he/she might not know whom to reach out to. It is important to expose children to films that teaches good touch and bad touch.” With no proper counselling mechanisms, it is vital that the department is notified so that the perpetrator can be booked, says officials.
With more child protection units to open, officials hope that it will lead to better coordination between various departments such as education, labour and health as well.
