While children are our treasure and the future, many children across the world are robbed of their childhoods and innocence by abuse. It’s not simply a case of stranger-danger either – most people who sexually abuse children are the friends or partners of parents, friends, family members, and community members. A 2017 report released by the YWCA found that about 93% of children who are victims of sexual abuse know their abuser and that less than 10% of sexually abused children are abused by a stranger.
One beacon of hope fighting for justice for children who have been abused and helping them navigate the legal system to gain justice, is the Child Protection Force (CPF). Founded in 2017 by Attorney-at-Law Milani Salpitikorala, CPF consists of members and employees who have a passion for child rights law and would work effortlessly towards a change to the legal system with regard to the child. The CPF team works tirelessly to represent and assist those who would otherwise not have any help in the legal system, assist people in the Police and legal systems to better understand how to deal with cases of abuse, and build awareness on these issues.
Children are clearly a vulnerable group, and like with all vulnerable groups, the pandemic, with it’s lockdowns and increased isolation, has seen cases of abuse and violence grow, not just when it comes to children, but in general, and especially when it comes to violence against women and domestic violence.
With the new surge of Covid-19 infections, and the resulting travel restrictions and heightened risk of infection, Brunch reached out to CPF Founder and Director Milani Salpitikorala to learn more about how CPF is dealing with cases in this time of semi-lockdown.
How many cases is CPF working on at the moment, and what happens to these cases in light of these travel restrictions?
CPF is currently working on close to 50/60 cases. If these are urgent matters, we file a motion in court requesting the case to be called. The honourable judges have a discretion whether or not to take up the case. It all depends on the facts of the case actually. If not, the courts issue new dates of postponement of cases and the cases get called on such given dates.
The victims/clients are not allowed inside the court premises unless their presence is essential, so no, they are not expected to appear physically.
What’s the most challenging thing about carrying out your work during times like these?
The fact that we have to work despite the situation and also be at risk ourselves. Some of us have little children and elders at home and it is rather challenging risking ourselves. Most of our clients come from underprivileged family backgrounds and by expecting them to be present at police stations or other departments, their health is also at risk. It is definitely an extremely challenging time.
How has the pandemic affected child abuse in general?
Since the lockdown from last year (2020), our case load has increased. I don’t have an exact statistic from state resources, but from our caseload and the new cases that have come in, I can most definitely say that we have a boom in cases. We have also seen that most cases escalated upto what they are due to the perpetrators being locked down in the same household as the victims. We also have an overwhelming amount of domestic violence cases that have come in since March 2020.
In a time of restricted travel and increased isolation, how can the public play their part in protecting children?
Parents and adults should try to be more proactive with their children. Create that safe space within them so that children may come and talk to them and tell them anything that is bothering them. Not only abuse in the physical or sexual sense, but even for emotional abuse, the child needs to know that there is always a trusted adult or a safe network for him or her to come and talk to. This is very important. It is also important for each one of us to be responsible for all children. Even if it is the child next door.
If we are aware of any abuse/neglect happening, it is our duty as responsible citizens to report the same and follow up to see if the child is now safe. I can assure you that the Police Women and Children’s Bureau officers are working very hard these days despite the lockdowns, on all the cases they receive. They can be reached on 0112 444 444, the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) on 1929, the area police station or Emergency Line 119, or civil society organisations like CPF on 0114 848 856, Grassrooted Trust on 0763 488 622, Emerge Lanka Foundation on 0760 035 154, Care Station on 0769 105 555, and Sambol Foundation on 0776 772 848.
To learn more about CPF’s noble efforts and to support them in their cause, please visit their website www.childprotectionforce.org.
