Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Child abuse highest in State: expert

VISAKHAPATNAM: Andhra Pradesh has the highest incidences of child abuse in all forms. Two out of three children in AP are victims of physical abuse, cases of sexual assault are reported to be the highest among children in AP and one out of two children are victims of emotional abuse. These were some of the startling statistics that came out at the Conference on Child Safety and Protection organised by Kidpower, an NGO, at Palm Beach hotel on Wednesday. Kidpower India conducts workshops in schools on self-defence skills for children in the age group of 6 to 14 years.

Speaking on the psychological impact of child abuse, Prof. Pramila Bose of the Dept. of Psychology, AU, said that abuse of any kind can not only effect a child’s health and well-being but also his or her process of self development.

Highlighting the behavioural changes among victims of child abuse, Prof. Bose said that the children usually withdraw from friends and have low self-esteem. They become timid and unsure. In some cases, they even turn hostile and aggressive, which may lead to delinquent behaviour. Senior Civil Judge, Secretary Legal Services Authority D. Dharma Rao said that a subject on child abuse should be introduced at the elementary education stage. Principal of Nalanda Talent School A. Anuradha and president of Kidpower India V.V. Ramana spoke.

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