Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (EP)

Mangaluru, Feb 11: “Child abuse and sexual assaults are social pandemics these days. Boys become victims most of the time,” said Dr P V Baliga Group of Hospitals' director and psychiatric consultant, Dr P V Bhandary. He spoke as resource person at a symposium on child abuse and emotional development held by the child abuse and sexual assault committee of Dr NSAM PU College.

“Child abuse and sexual assaults are the problems faced by children from childhood to puberty. Their relatives and acquaintances are the offenders most of the time. Children will suffer from inferiority complex and mental problems if those incidents are kept hidden,” he said. He gave details of the current law and prevailing disciplinary actions against them.

College principal Dr Navin Shetty K said that child abuse and sexual assaults are sensitive and sentimental subjects and that it is essential to inform children about it. “Children suffer during puberty without being able to share them with anybody. It is inevitable for parents and teachers to realize their responsibilities and inform the concerned,” he said.

College vice-principal, Annapoorna Naik was present. Swathi sang a prayer song. Programme committee members Shakuntala Shetty introduced the guests and welcomed them. Suman thanked the gathering.