August 17, 2019
The parents of a 10-year-old boy with autism studying at a government
school in Thiruvananthapuram have alleged that he was sexually harassed by a
school employee. The parents are unhappy with the action taken by the police
and have also alleged that school authorities are protecting the
accused.
10-year-old Aarav*‘s (name changed) repeated refusal to go
to school baffled his parents. Aarav, who has autism, was was studying at a
school for children with disabilities in Thiruvananthapuram. It was only
after his worried mother discussed this with his therapist that the truth
came to be known.
Aarav’s parents found out that he had been sexually assaulted by his school
teacher. That the abuse took place inside a prominent government school in
the city has shocked many. Aarav’s family had moved from Kannur to the city
to ensure he had access to the best schooling. His mother Renjini
PK is determined to get justice for her son but the apathy of school
authorities is proving to be a major barrier.
Since the past few months, I started noticing changes in my son’s
behaviour. I discussed this with the therapist who spoke to him and found
out that he was being sexually abused. When I complained to the school
authorities, they came home and threatened me. We are now worried about
whether we will get justice. – Renjini PK, Aarav’s mother.
Renjini has filed a police complaint with the highest police official of the
state, the Director General of Police, and appeared before the magistrate’s
court as well. Officials noted down what Aarav had to say, and also spoke to
his therapist.
“The police asked us to get a certificate from the medical board stating that
he was sexually harassed, and we got that as well”, says Renjini.”They said
they can take the case further only after that. Initially, we were unhappy
with the way police were handling the case. Now we just want the police
department to arrest the accused who is now absconding. I would go to any
extent in order to get justice”, says Renjini.
Renjini says the school management is supporting the accused and in fact has
vouched for his character. “The school told us the accused is a gentleman who
wouldn’t do such things when my son has clearly stated who the abuser is”,
says Renjini.
The insensitivity of lawmakers is making things tougher for Renjini. The
Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act protects
children from such offences but most parents are unaware.
Among those who is supporting Renjini’s fight for justice is Seema
Lal, Co-founder of the Kochi parent support group
TogetherWeCan (TWC).
“We are in touch with the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child
Rights and Kerala State human Rights Commission. Both have assured speedy
action. Since our group is based in Kochi, we are unfortunately unable to
accompany Renjini and she needs greater support from parents in the school
where this has allegedly occurred”. TWC lawyers are helping the family file
the petition.
Renjini says she will not back down and is gearing up to fight against the
system which seems indifferent to the plight of a child who has suffered
great mental trauma.
ALSO READ: Early exposure to speech shapes language skills of kids with
autism
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/alleged-sexual-harassment-of-child%20-with-autism-in-kerala
