‘Sexual abuse of boys too often goes unnoticed’
Cases of sexual violence against boys are too often unnoticed and only awareness and proper education can protect everyone.
Speakers said this at the non-profit organization ACTIONISTS webinar "Dialogue For Action: Sexuality Education for Children and Adolescents, the Role of Parents" arranged today.
Director of Dhaka University's Institute of Disaster Management and Vulnerability Studies Professor Mahabuba Nasrin, Clinical Psychologist Sirajum Monira of Rangpur Medical College, and Supreme Court lawyer Barrister Syeda Seema Karim attended the webinar.
To break the culture of silence, teachers and parents need to be made aware of the abuse of boys and girls. The issue needs to be included in textbooks too, Professor Nasrin said. "We need to be vigilant in ensuring the safety of all children."
While talking about behavioral effects of sexual abuse or harassment on children in the short or long term, clinical psychologist Sirajum Monira said children cannot easily express that they are not feeling well. "But they show their discomfort through anger or violence."
Sometimes, they withdraw from everything, and their academic performance is affected, Monira said.
"So, teachers and parents need to spot this behavioral change and discuss it openly."
While talking about paedophilia and the legal implications of sexual harassment of children, Barrister Seema said, "It is not possible to stop rape or crime by law alone. The legal process is the next most significant step after a crime has been committed."
"Proper enforcement of the law and exemplary punishment of criminals is a must. But we need to be vigilant to prevent the erosion of social and moral values."
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