Dimapur, Oct. 3 (EMN): Can Youth under its project ‘Development 4 Adolescent’, has organised a webinar for adolescence on the topic “Abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, verbal abuse and digital abuse” on October 1 with Akangkokla Namo, programme officer of the Family Planning Association of India, Nagaland Branch, and Kivitoli Chishi, board secretary of Can Youth, as the resource persons.
In her opening remarks, Kivitoli Chishi mentioned about the abuses faced by every individual and how family and society play an important role in supporting the individual, who faced such situations.
Citing instances where certain sections were abused in the society, Akangkokla Namo strongly advocated that every individual have the right to live a free life without being abused. Physical abuse, according to her, could be any physical harm such as slapping, punching, bullying etc., adding that these types of abuses usually take place when someone try to control the other. She also shared about psychological abuses where a person was made to undergo mental and emotional disturbed situation.
She mentioned that physical abuse could be visible as it happens externally whereas psychological abuse is not visible as it happens internally. She also mentioned that verbal abuse often occurred through verbal communication using inappropriate words and expression by passing comments towards the other person.
On sexual abuse, she shared that it could happen in the form of using inappropriate words and by forcing someone to pornography. She also emphasised on digital abuse which is common at present scenario in which many people take advantage of social media to bully, harass or stalk. She also mentioned on the differences between good and bad touch, where many people are not aware and the necessity for every individual to keep in mind.
She encouraged the participants to share their problems with other persons or family members whenever they are confronted with such situations and not to stay silent or hide the problems or issue.
“You are the boss of your body, and no one is allowed to touch if the other person is not comfortable,” she stated.
Sentiwati, project co-ordinator of Development 4 Adolescent, has appreciated the panellists and participants for their support and participation. He encouraged the adolescents to shared their problems to their elders, friends or parents with whom they trust or comfortable to avoid/prevent such abuses.
The session was moderated by Suikolie, facilitator of Development 4 Adolescent, Can Youth.
