The schools cannot absolve themselves and must take responsibility in cases of child sexual abuse/assault that happen in the school premises, stated Lalitha Kumaramangalam, chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, she said that Bengaluru has got a bad name with the increasing number of child sexual abuse cases that have been reported over the past few months.
Referring to the recent case wherein a three-year-old was sexually assaulted in the school, she said, “The schools must be held responsible in these cases. The police cannot be blamed for everything… in this case, the police have acted swiftly. The schools must verify the antecedents of all employees.”
Urging parents and civil society to unite, she said that parents admit their wards to school to receive education and pay huge sums for it. About the possibility of schools using provisions under Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, to shield themselves, she said NCW would review it (the Act).
Ms. Kumaramangalam also said that parents must teach their young children about “good touch and bad touch” and added that NCW would have a national consultation on the issue of child sexual abuse and make practical recommendations that could be implemented.
