[Nov 2] The Catalog: Castration, Online Safety, Children in Court & More
Hello.
A lot of what got discussed this week in child safety was about considering castration as a form of equitable justice in cases of sexual offences. Also, a very safe, sanitary but nonetheless fascinating sounding research on Indian teenagers in Online spaces was released. With Melinda Gates and the Lancet Journal pulling up the Indian government, we also spoke about domestic abuse, sexual violence. And a timely research pointed out as to how it directly influences infant mortality.
Also, We have a new #Events section that lists upcoming trainings, conferences etc. And do check out the ‘Guidelines on How A Child Should be Questioned in Court‘ in the #New @ Aarambh Section.
The Catalog would like to thank the iProbono, The Conversation, Enfold & Aneesh Kumar for their contributions to this edition.
#Quote of the Week
“Should we replace term ‘incest’ with ‘child sexual abuse within the family’? As then it implicates the entire family.”
#News This Week
2015: The Year India Discussed Castration
Only this June, the Madras High Court made news by asking a child victim to marry the rapist. This week, giving new meaning to phrase ‘The Pit and The Pendulum’, they began to insist on handing out castrations to sexual offenders. The above article by the Economic Times offers a measured response to the medieval. Other recommend reads include The News Minute, The Indian Express and The Scroll. Lest you think the country was alone in this kerfuffle, Indonesia is all set to become the newest country to sanction castration as punishment and justice.
Teens, Tweens & Technology 2015: What Our Children Are Upto Online?
64% Children Hide Their Online Activity from Parents. 44% meet strangers they initially met online. 43% use fake online profiles. 52% have indulged in online bullying. Strangely, the survey makes far too little mention of pornography. Nonetheless, worth a read.
Moral Police Disrupts Screening of Bengali Film on Child Abuse
The Bengal Association of Delhi disrupted the screening of the feature film ‘Bheetu’, in which one of the protagonists has a past history of sexual abuse. The film goes against the idea of a ‘bhalo bangla culture’ said the goondas.
Japan Urged to Ban Child Abuse Images in Manga Comics
No one is denying that the transgressive content and blatant disregard to good taste is what gives certain manga genres their impact and reason. But are the artists and companies increasingly abusing their powers and responsibility to produce child sexual abuse images? Activists and government are putting pressure on Japan to enforce stricter regulations.
#Must Read
India, Domestic Violence and Child Mortality
New research by the University of Essex points out that 1 in 10 Indian Children die as a result of domestic violence against the mother. A sobering reflection that underlies the need to look at women’s rights and children’s rights as a continuum. (source:- The Conversation)
The Melinda Gates Interview Against Sexual Attacks on Women in India
“What’s happening in India is horrific… India needs to start collecting real time data about how much violence is going on in the household. In some of the states in northern India, we are just starting to measure the prevalence of domestic violence and it is extremely common.”
#New @ Aarambh
Guidelines on How A Child Must be Questioned in Court
‘Children deserve a fair hearing and a safe, secure future’. This is the abiding principle behind guidelines on ‘How a Child Should be Questioned in Court’. In October 2014, iProbono successfully represented a young child victim whose credibility as a witness had been previously questioned by the Trial Court. The High Court based its decision primarily on the testimony of the child. The Guidelines take the salient parts from this judgment and also draws from other cases and international standards. (Source:- iProbono)
Bodhini Joins The Safety Network
Bodhini is a Kochi, Kerala based NGO. Beginning its journey as an initiative of the Rotary Club of Kochi metropolis in 2014, it has now grown into a movement against child abuse and violence against women. Read more about them on their website. And click here to watch their amazing video on Online Safety.
“The police understands the fundamentals…“But what they need to understand is the spirit of child protection that is the basis of the law.”
When the Aarambh team conducted a police training in Satara, a small town in Mahrashtra, we had a chance to speak to Dhanaji, the young District Child Protection Officer on his work and views.
#Events
7th November 2015
Bangalore – Sexual Development & Personal Safety of Children With Special Needs
Enfold Bangalore invites parents, care givers and educators working with children with cognitive special needs to a sensitizing session on Sexual Development and Personal Safety of children in their care.
19th November 2015
Bangalore – Child Protection In India: Empowering Mental Health Professionals
Christ College, Bangalore is organizing a seminar where renowned mental health professionals and academics will be presenting on the subject of (source -Aneesh Kumar)
#Social
Read about a unique social media campaign by a group of US-based NGOs that used the occasion of Halloween to drive home some #scarystats about some very important issues.
If you come across any interesting news that you would want to share through this platform, write to us at aarambh.prerana@gmail.com or whatsapp it to 8652625505. We will give due credit for your contribution.
Click here to Read the original Newsletter.
Stay Tuned for Catalog Vol. 5 Coming Next Saturday!
