This went on for months, sometimes she was successful in avoiding him whereas at others she was not. He would fondle her, play with her, molest her and threaten her to not tell these things to his wife or her mother. At times threatening went on to physically abusing her too but in a ‘different‘ way! Rajni was scared to come to that house but did not want to stay at her own home also as if not Sir there was her drunkard father ready to beat and abuse her for whatever reason possible. One day Sir crossed his limits when his wife was not around and her mother was in backyard doing some work. Rajni came out running in tears with no clothes on. When her mother came, he started shouting on her – “What kind of daughter you have, she came to my room, asked me to apply ointment on her wound at back and when I did so, she started crying and ran away. Why do you bring her…?” His voice trailed off when he saw his wife standing in front of him. Madam went on to Rajni and asked her politely on how did she get that wound? Rajni stood still with just silent tears. She gave a disgusted look to her husband and asked again stroking her hair, Rajni just turned to look at her mother who immediately replied, “Madam she is a kid, must have fallen somewhere while playing”. “Radha, by hiding the truth you are not only doing wrong for your daughter’s present but future as well. Firstly you are teaching her to tell lies and secondly you are making her weak by not fighting for her. She will meet all kinds of men in future, where all and till when do you expect her to be silent and feel guilty about being a girl”. A storm followed in that household after that, but Rajni definitely got to understand one thing – it’s not her fault if any man misbehaves with her and it is not right to tolerate such behavior from men. While it’s in her hand to save her dignity but if someone plays with it, she has full right to voice it out and fight for herself.
Rajni is an independent working woman today with a confident personality and a rational mind. Thank God, she had a madam in her life else she would have also been the part of majority who never know when and how to raise their voice and become victims of extremes. From 4 year old girl being gang raped by group of men to 12 year old girl being raped by her own father, there are enough such ghastly examples around us which just leaves you wondering on the extremities of human behavior! Can this really happen to those innocent souls?
“Sssshhhh, “Hussshh” or “Kisi se yeh batane ki zaroorat nahi” are some of the most common ways in which Child Sexual Abuse has traditionally been dealt with in India. Not only India is a country with one of the highest child abuse cases, rather 53% of children in India have faced some or other form of sexual abuse in their lives! The impact and after effects are many – from insecurity to depression, from being conscious towards your own body to hating the natural growth, from being weak to being scared, from physical woes to psychological traumas…and if not discussed or addressed properly at the right time, such abuse can actually leave a life time scar on the victim’s mind. So, do not try to keep it under wraps just because you are scared of confronting the abuser, make your kids and other kids around you aware of right & wrong and empower them to express their feelings freely to you. Educate them to deal with it and support them to overcome it.
In case you’re looking for more info on Child Sexual Abuse or steps and support to deal with it, do check out this blog by CSA Team. This is one place where you can get almost all possible information related to this issue; you can also connect with the team on Twitter or join their movement on Facebook.
Renu
we Indians have this mentality of victimising the victim only, not the perpetrator..I feel so enraged by the parents who always tell their daughters to keep quiet.
Jack
Kanupriya,
This definitely needs to be taken up on priority just a corruption has been. Not only child but parents too need to be made aware of this. Involvement of teachers or elder relatives should also be sought.
Take care
PS : Waiting for your visit.
Jack
Kanupriya,
I forgot to add in my comment earlier. Any case of sexual child abuse should be disposed off within 48 hours of being reported, based on statement of child and medical examination. Trial to be held in camera without putting the victim to any pressure. The offender should be held on non-bailable warrant. NO DILLY DALLYING BY POLICE. All appeals at every level to be taken care of within 3 working days after filing without any interim relief to offender.
Take care
Anju
Most of these stories ring the same way – people violating innocent young children. But each story angers and disgusts me afresh. I loved that this one had a strong and ethical madam. I hope that people like these will rise high among us so that pedophiles and rapists can be brought to justice.
writerzblock
That is a ray of hope!!!If only there were more people like 'Madam'. But the truth is there are very few like her. Normally anybody points a finger at the 'man of the house' and the lady of the house pounces on the 'accuser' thinking she is trying to seduce the husband! It is so disgusting. But equally true.
@Jack – You are absolutely right when you say we should have PROMPT justice for child abuse. No dilly dallying for sure.
Kanupriya
@Renu: Absolutely and what is ingrained at early years goes long way in terms of overall personality development of the child.
@Jack: Oh yes, if only we could implement this rule of justice within 48 hours!!!
Kanupriya
@ Anuja & Writerzblock: Absolutely right, wish there were more people like "madam" around us. That madam is still there helping young gals achieve their dreams by providing them right guidelines.
UmaS
Oh dear….I really thank God for that Madam's intervention that day. But so many girls lose their faith, with no one to talk for them.
CSA Awareness
That's an inspiring story, Kanupriya, thanks. If only more family members had such strength of mind…
Magic Quill
very well written!apt for the world we live in today!
Hip Grandma
we need more people like rajni's madam. Anyone in her place might have blamed her.
asanandan
Your post is good . Because we should care about this child abusing reduction.
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