Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 7: The department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, here, in collaboration with Women Police, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate, on August 3 organised ‘A Project on Crime Free Mangaluru’. The project was held to create awareness on child abuse, which was part of their extension service. The event was held at Dakshina Kannada Jilla Panchayath Hiriya Prathamika Shale, Pandeshwar, in the city.
Chief guest of the programme, Srikala K P, police sub-inspector, Women Police Station, Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate addressed the gathering. In her addressal she stated that children must be doubly careful while walking on the road. If a stranger approaches or gives something to eat, they should not accept, but instead report to ‘Rani Abbakka Force’ which is launched in the city for protection of women and children. Abusers will be in many forms, amongst known and unknown people. If they are called to any strange place, they must not go. She stressed that police are friends of children; hence children should not get scared or hesitate to approach police at any time in case of any help.
Poornima, asst sub inspector of police, who had several years of experience working with women and children, expressed that children should be careful of the different tricks played by the perpetrator. In case of any problems, They must express their problems if any to the people close to them in spite of a threat from the perpetrator and not keep their problems to themselves.
Shalini H K, headmistress, DK Z P Hiriya Prathamika Shale, Pandeshwar, Mangaluru appreciated the initiative taken by the faculty and students of post graduate department of Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Mangaluru in educating the children with regard to child abuse. "We have been giving them the awareness with regard to the issues related to children, but if the other institutions and police themselves convey it to the children it would be effective," she said.
Dr Saritha D’Souza, head of the department of Criminology and Forensic Science spoke to the children stressing on the aspects of good touch and bad touch. The perpetrators target children as they are more vulnerable to be abused. Hence, children should learn to express their problems with their parents, teachers or with the people who they are more close to.
Amitesh Shetty, asst professor and faculty coordinator of the programme presented an introductory note on the purpose of organizing this programme by the department which is aiming to cover all other institutions in the city as well. Under the banner, ‘A project on Crime Free Mangaluru’, not only is child abuse covered, but also other crimes such as drug abuse, cyber-crimes and so on.
Jayanthi, Women Police Constable, Mahadevi, representative of Rani Abbakka Force, Balajinarayan, asst professor of the department, teachers of the school and around 50 children were present on the occasion.
The programme began with a group discussion on issues related to children, awareness was conveyed to the children through a mime and a group dance performed by the students of MSc Criminology and Forensic Science, School of Social Work, Mangaluru. Gowthami welcomed the gathering and delivered the vote of thanks. Likitha, student coordinator of the programme compered the event.