Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, Nov 10: During the last one week, there was a considerable increase in the cases of sexual atrocities on children in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district.
During the above period, seven cases were reported. In one of these cases, more than one person committed sexual atrocities on the child. In another case, a two-year-old child was the victim of sexual aggression.
A police officer said that in most of the cases detected so far, the accused came in contact with the children through mobile phones or social media. As per his assessment, cases of child sexual abuse increased after the covid19 gripped the nation. Because of online classes, the parents are giving their phones and other gadgets to the children. The children who initially use the phones for online classes slowly extend it to social websites. Without the knowledge of parents, they are opening accounts on Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites. When the children open accounts, young men get introduced to them, and contact them in the name of friendship and love. As a result, these cases are rising.
A child helpline functionary said that in some cases, the parents come to know about the sexual atrocities only after their children become pregnant. Only a few of the cases reach the police stations as families are afraid of getting their images sullied. The official said that in some cases, after the registration of complaints, they are withdrawn under pressure from the community or others.
President of Dakshina Kannada Child Welfare Committee, Renny D'Souza, admits that these cases have risen after the pandemic and children in the age group of 12 to 17 are mostly becoming the victims. However, one plus point is that in the recent past, people are coming forward to file complaints, he added. He said that in the first two months, 66 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act had been registered in the district but after the pandemic, during the last two months, there has been a sudden spurt in cases. Most of the offenders are relatives, neighbours or people known to the victims, he said.
An official said that quick punishment is needed to exercise control in cases. But many POCSO special courts fail in their objective of giving quick justice. The affected persons also face hard times as they fight against their relatives or known people, she explained.