We started last part of awareness session in 7th mile school by asking, “what is difference between safe touch and unsafe touch?”
Girls stayed mum! This happens often because most of them are not used to acknowledging their own self and their body. Even for kids to be aware of what’s bad touch firstly they should know their body parts.
We elaborated the same by drawing body outline on board and asked them to name the body parts by highlighting the parts which can’t be touched by anyone.
Keep in mind that one needs to know their body well and shouldn’t feel shy to name their body parts, so make them feel comfortable.
(One can explain the same with the help of a body chart)
When you don’t feel comfortable/safe with someone’s touch it is UNSAFE TOUCH.
But When a mother gives bath to kid, he/ she feels comfortable. So to differentiate one needs to mention what feeling uncomfortable means.
Feeling uncomfortable meaning, “Your body gives you signal when you don’t feel safe through body clues.”
Body clues:(the same is explained in above image)
- Hair stands on ends
- Butterflies sensation in your tummy
- Heart pounding
- Wobbly knees
- Sweaty palms
- Crying
What to do when you feel uncomfortable:
- Shout out loud
- Run away from there to some place safe.
- Talk about it to your support system
Identifying Support system:
This is very important part, as the supposed to be support system could be the abuser. Ask kids about the person who they trust in and can talk to. This way we make sure that the every kid understands what their respective support system is, as it can vary from person to person.
So one needs to understand that support system is any person who the kid feels comfortable with to share anything:
1) Mother
2)Teacher
3)Friends
4)Child helpline number (1098)
Child sexual abuse is a trauma which lasts for a lifetime sometimes. You never know how it might turn into during adult phase. Please educate children, parents and teachers about this, to stop it at the roots.
Irrespective of gender, children become victim of abuse due to their gullibility! In fact boys are brought up with pseudo masculinity roles that they don’t tend to disclose the same even after years.
Don’t forget to Love and appreciate your body and remember that you are the boss of your body.
Recently I have come across a school where a notice board is solely dedicated for the same.
Couldn’t know much about school but I have taken photos of the notice board.
I hope that every school does educate their students about good and bad touch, Self awareness, life skills, body positivity..etc.
NOTE:
- POCSO act provides for punishment of abuser at any age of victim.
- Observe your kids and teach them.
- Child helpline number: 1098 , takes immediate action on complaints filed.
- If you want to report anonymously, you can do so.
- Parents do report abuse faced by your child so that it can help stop the abuser from victimising more kids. Don’t think about what society will think rather think of your child and many more children you could save.
Remember if you are not going to stand up for your kid, who will? and what will they feel when you don’t take action?
Sources of images: Google, and Sri Vidyanjali school(Kukatpally)
Any query? You can contact me!
