News from Dr. N.S.A.M PU College, Mangaluru | A talk on ‘Child Abuse and Emotional Development’

Prevention of Child Abuse & Sexual Assault Committee of Dr. NSAM PU College, Mangalore organized a talk on ‘Child Abuse and Emotional Development’ at College Auditorium on 1st February 2021. 

Dr. P.V Bhandari, Medical Director & Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. A V Baliga Memorial Hospital, Udupi was the resource person. He created awareness on different forms of child abuse ranging from physical/emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, etc which harm the child’s health. He further added that hiding such abuse, will create a feeling of inferiority in the child and encouraged students to open up and seek help. He said that as per his clinical experience most of the mistreated children were victimized by their close relatives and peers. He emphasized that teachers should be approachable & empathetic as they have a great role to play in building confidence among such children. 

Students were briefed about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 (POCSO). 

The Principal in his presidential address pointed out that child abuse can significantly affect a child’s health, relationships & education and it is the duty of teachers to prevent abuse and extend the required support to children who have been victimized. 

Ms. Shakunthala Shetty, Lecturer in Commerce organized the program, and Ms. Suman, Lecturer in Computer Science delivered the vote of thanks. The program was well-received by both, students and teachers.