The Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has highlighted alarming statistics indicating that five out of six children in the community experience abuse. During her end-of-week speech in Parliament on Friday, she emphasized the need for the nation to enhance efforts to safeguard children.
Kiran pointed out that numerous studies suggest many abused children may grow up to become abusers. She cited a recent case involving a 13-year-old accused who was raped at the age of six by her grandfather, who is currently incarcerated.
She noted that without proper rehabilitation and support, abused children are at risk of becoming abusers themselves, and the community already faces high levels of abuse. Kiran expressed concern that while offenders are often given second chances, the victims suffer lifelong trauma and lose their innocence.
The minister acknowledged the difficulties in counseling and rehabilitating young victims, particularly infants, who have endured traumatic experiences from those expected to protect them. She lamented that society, families, and community members frequently blame the victims instead of providing them with the kindness and empathy needed for healing.
Kiran stressed that every child who suffers abuse is left traumatized for life and stated that there is a collective responsibility to address the issues surrounding child protection. She called for community collaboration to seek comprehensive solutions that will better protect children and reduce occurrences of child sexual abuse. Kiran is actively working with stakeholders to raise awareness and develop protective programs, urging community organizations and agencies to contribute to these efforts.