Child Sexual Abuse - India

THE WORLD'S MOST BIZARRE MOTOR SPORT- ENDURANCE RICKSHAW RACING Aug 21-28, 2006 :The Indian Autorickshaw Challenge is a 1000 km (590 miles) rally through the most scenic roads of South India in a three wheel motorized vehicle. Starting from Chennai the rally will traverse through Mahabalipuram, Pondichery, Thanjavur, Madurai, Courtallam, Tuticorin & Kanyakumari. You can read more about the rally at www.indianarc.com . True to its belief that every platform can be be a vehicle for change and with the kind support from the organisers, one of the autos has been painted and stuck with images and messages to spread awareness on violence against children - with the focus on Child Sexual Abuse .

The international team which will be driving the auto carrying messages against Child Sexual Abuse.

This sticker was stuck on all the 16 autos participating in the rally. The message in Tamil, the local language encourages children to "Say No, Run & Tell", if they receive an uncomfortable, confusing or unsafe touch

The Indian Autorickshaw Challenge is a 1000 km (590 miles) rally through the most scenic roads of South India in a three wheel motorized vehicle.

A sample of some of the messages pictatorially represented

The poster stuck at the back of the auto asking the question which we hope more parents start asking themselves. At the bottom left is a message inviting people to know more about child sexual abuse to prevent it from happening

Besides the messages on the auto flyers and leaflets on awareness and preventing child sexual abuse will be distributed to people along the 1000 km ride.

Honourable Justice Mr. A.P. Shah, Chief Justice of Madras High court, launching the project "It takes a Comunity to Protect a Child". Also seen is Vidya Reddy,Director of Tulir-CPHCSA, Mr.Palaniappan, I.A.S. Secretary to Government, Social Welfare and Nutritious Meal Programme Department and Mr. Kutralingam, I.A.S., Secretary to Government, School Education Department.

"It takes a Comunity to protect a Child" reflects the fundamental belief of all of us at Tulir, that to create a sensitive & proactive society against Child Sexual Abuse we need to sensitize and build capacities of all the stakeholders. Through this program Tulir,with support from UNICEF, will create awarness and build capacity of district level officials and NGO staff in 5 districts across Tamil Nadu on Child Sexual Abuse.

The play by the students of Womens Christian College was based on "Sams Story" , which teaches children about "Safe and Unsafe touch".

The dignitaries applauding the play on "Personal Safety" done by the students of Women`s Christian College.

Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Mr. Justice A.P.Shah, in his inaugral address emphaiszed the following : India needs a comprehensive law to protect children from sexual abuse. The need to introduce inter-disciplinary and inter-agency work to protect children from abuse. A joint investigating team comprising a police officer, medical doctor, mental health specialists and social workers to deal with child abuse cases. The need for separate child courts for child victims. Reviewing the exisitng provisions and definitions on rape and molestation in the Indian Penal Code, which are inadequate to deal with sexual violence against children.

Mr.R.Natraj I.P.S, Additional Director General of Police, Director of Investigation, State Human Rights Commission giving an inspiring address in Tamil at the launch.

The inaugration was held at Hotel Residency towers in Chennai on 9th August,2006