Undoubtedly, children are most vulnerable to threats such as sexual abuse, trafficking, homelessness, forced labour, drug abuse, and crime. In fact, a recent study by Human Rights Watch (HRW) reveals that child sex abuse victims in the country are often 'mistreated' and 'humiliated' by government officials while seeking for any assistance.
The report further revealed that most child abuse cases go unreported in India as in majority of cases, the children are abused close to home - either at home, school, in their neighbourhood, or at orphanages. The only solution to this issue is to impart as much awareness on the existence of the helplines like 1098 that is in place and also the crimes that takes on these helpless children.
In order to curb down the rising incidents of child abuse and trafficking, coordinating agencies of Childline, Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA) and Bangalore Oniyavara Seva Coota (BOSCO) have been rigorously carrying out their reach programmes in the city to educate citizens on the issues and assistance that is in place for this vulnerable section.
Sujatha, a social worker of BOSCO points out, "Under our out reach programmes, we cover South and East Zone of Bangalore city whereas APSA covers the other parts of the city. Every day we have different kinds of programmes. We visit from homes, shops, hospitals, schools, etc. educating them about the work we do and the issues that we are dealing with and how they can help us. We also provide them a booklet that enlightens them about the helpline as well as the problems that we have come across."