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(This article includes images that some readers may find disturbing)
According to a report by China Foundation of Culture and Arts for Children around 433 sexual assault cases involving juveniles were reported last year. Social workers and legal experts feel that these cases are just the tip of the iceberg.
A psychological counselor giving a speech at Children’s Rights Protection Forum in Beijing on Sep 15./CGTN Photo
Keeping in view the spiraling cases of child abuses, a professional anti-child sexual abuse forum was held in Beijing Friday. It was hosted by two domestic non-profits that brought together social workers, lawyers, prosecutors, counselors and victims to chalk out a strategy to contain cases of child abuse.
Experts at the forum revealed that most of these abuses are committed by acquaintances, including family members, close relatives, teachers and neighbors that have a close relationship with the victims. They also pointed out that lack of sex education further triggers the situation. In majority of the cases, children do not realize what happened to them and in some cases they are threatened to maintain silence on the abuse.
Young man filmed molesting the girl adopted by his family in south China's Nanjing Railway Station./Picture posted by Weibo user @WriterChenLan on August 12
Children’s Hope Foundation initiated a project named as "True Love" in 2013 to support sexually abused children. They have rehabilitated 30 children. However, Li Zikun, who works closely with the victims, says they have been calling for social workers, legal experts and counselors to work in tandem to ensure legal aid and professional care for victims.
CGTN Photo
Lai Weinan, partner of Shenzen based Haihan Law Firm has been working with juveniles for the last four years. He told CGTN that he faced severe emotional turmoil in the initial years of dealing with cases of child abuse.
Difficulties in collecting evidence to convict the accused coupled with lack of policy support, public trust and coordination between NGOs and the judicial system, added to his turmoil.
However, despite hurdles he has been actively advocating for legislative changes. He also supports a complete ban on persons accused of juvenile related crime so as to keep them from professions related to children and educational institutions.
But it’s not only the professionals who could prevent child abuse; the society has to wake up to fight against the menace.
True Love Convention promoted by Children’s Hope Foundation/CGTN Photo
(CGTN)
