Inappropriate gestures top abuses among children

DIMAPUR — A child led survey on safe and unsafe places in Dimapur and Chümoukedima conducted by ANMA Integrated Development Association-Child Friendly Dimapur (AIDA-CDF) in 2023 shows that the most prevalent form of abuses among children was inappropriate gestures accounting to 26.36 %.

The survey, released on August 30, 2024, was conducted from age group of 12 to 18 years from selected localities within Dimapur and Chümoukedima.

The other form of abuses included unpleasant touch which accounted 20.91%, harsh statement at 19.09 % cases, stalking at 14.55%, display of inappropriate images or videos at 10% and physical contact (touching of private parts) at 9.09%.

In regard to the connection between the abusers and the victims, survey revealed that a significant majority of 72% of the abusers are acquainted with the children.

According to the data, schools are the primary location where abuse occurred representing 25.69%. It highlighted the necessity for heightened awareness and protective measures in educational settings.

Other places of abuse included neighborhood at 12.84%, playground at 5.50%, main road at 9.17%, near shop at 6.42 %, relatives and friends at 5.50%, home at 11.01%.

Safe places considered by the children as per the survey included Anganwadi centres, grocery stores and places of worship, hospitals, markets and others.

The survey also showed that there are no substantial gender-based disparities in the perception of those settings. It implied that both boys and girls have similar feelings about their safety in those places.

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