Police Department in association with the civil administration and judiciary launched a campaign for prevention of sexual abuse against children and held a workshop here on Tuesday.
Officers from civil administration, police, judiciary, lawyers, students and volunteers took out a rally through the main thoroughfares, and formed a human chain at Ashok Theater Chowrasta. A large number of children participated in it. At the workshop, posters and pamphlets on the campaign were released .
Addressing the gathering at the New Ambedkar Bhavan, in-charge Collector A. Ravinder Reddy said degradation of moral values, changes in family system, technology, personal and social conditions were leading to sexual abuse against children.
As per records, 19.7% of girls and 7.9% of boys were subjected to sexual abuse across the world, he said, appealing to parents of victimised children to come forward and ensure that the culprits are punished. He said, on several occasions, incidents of sexual abuse against children go unreported because parents are scared to lodge a complaint.
Commissioner of Police Kartikeya said parents should maintain good relations with the children and educate them about what is good and what is not, and instill moral values in them through love and affection.
He advised parents and teachers to keenly observe changes in the behaviour of children.
Senior Civil Judge Suryachandrakala said child protection acts have been enacted, but people lack awareness about them. Later, a power-point presentation was made on child rights and laws to protect their interests.
Deputy Commissioner of Police M. Sreedhar Reddy, Deputy Director, Prosecutions Sashikiran Reddy and DEO N. Rajesh were among those who participated in the programme.
