“Just because of our family relations I decided to keep mum.” “Not once or twice, I can’t even remember how many times.” “I was sleeping when my own cousin slid his hand inside me…” The above lines are real-life stories of survivors of sexual abuse. Now, no more child sexual abuse. Not another child. We will raise our voice. Will you?
#IStandForBachpan is a campaign initiated by Our Voix to ensure that young people get involved in ensuring a safe childhood, bachpan, for all. We all have seen increasing cases of child sexual abuse. As per a report by World Vision India, every second child is a victim of sexual abuse in India. Moreover, in 94.8% of cases, it is done by a known person. It is painful that abuse not only ravishes the body of the child but the very soul of it. Thus, it’s necessary that children be protected and empowered to protect themselves. Moreover, it is the fundamental right of every child to know about their body.
#IStandForBachpan is not just an initiative, but a movement to engage people, and mobilise them protect the childhood of our cousins, niece, nephews, etc. from sexual abuse. What can you do? Our Voix has started a petition at Change.org to urge the government to make workshops—on safe touch, unsafe touch, and no touch compulsory—in schools in Delhi. Further, the petition recommends training about (POCSO) not just for teachers and principals, but the staff of the school. They have recommended that the government to start Children Right’s Club in Schools to make children aware of their Human and Fundamental Rights. We stand for the good old memories of childhood and will ensure that the same are enjoyed by our brother and sisters, cousins and niece. We will protect our children from sexual abuse.
Will you stand for bachpan? Will you raise your voice? Sign the petition and share it on your online networks with a hashtag #IStandForBachpan and #OurVoix, along with your views on why you stand for bachpan.