You Can Be The Savior! Help Us Prevent Child Sexual Abuse

The Project: Sustained intervention training for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention at 69 Municipal Schools in Navi Mumbai
One of the biggest social concern in our society is that of child sexual abuse. A child can be abused physically, sexually or mentally. Child abuse results in actual or potential harm to the child's health, survival, development and dignity.
According to a study by the Department of Women and Child development 53% girls and 48% boys have faced some or the other form of sexual abuse. Most of these cases are not reported. Child Sexual abuse is a taboo subject. People are uncomfortable talking about it. Schools do not make this a part of the curriculum.
Beneficiaries
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation has granted permission to Chetana Foundation to roll out a mental health intervention in 69 Municipal schools (more than 35000 students, parents and teachers) across Navi Mumbai. The schools cater to first generation learners belonging to the vulnerable sections of society.
Crisis they are going through
These children and parents have no understanding of what child sexual abuse comprises and what safe and unsafe touch is. Parents and teachers are not aware about the importance of reporting an act of sexual abuse as per the Child Protection Act – POCSO.  80% of abuse is happening by known people and nothing is currently being done to address this.

• Why don’t kids tell
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• We spoke to many adults who have been survivors of child sexual abuse. Some of the reasons they shared for not telling parents / other significant adults about the abuse they faced are as follows:
• She said it was a game;
• He said it was our “secret”
• I was afraid that my parents would be very angry with me.
• I was too ashamed.
• I did, and my mom told me to stop lying. I didn’t think anyone would ever believe me.
• I was afraid that my dad would kill him.

Why we need Funds
We will conduct sessions with the Police Personnel on awareness and child friendly procedures along with sessions in each class from 2nd to 8th std in 69 municipal schools to link the children with the police. We will be covering over 30994 students, parents and teachers and require the support of 14 specialized trainers cum counsellors to conduct sessions in all the classes. Cases with sexual abuse, suicidal ideation and/or depression will be further referred to Police and to NMMC hospital for further intervention. The trainers cum counsellors need to be paid in order do it on the specific date and time allotted to us. Also cost will be incurred for feedback forms and information sheets.
Can you support us?
Please donate here and share our campaign within your networks!
We will keep you posted on how your support impacts our students.