The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Processing child abuse cases a problem

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Friday, Nov 24, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Processing child abuse cases a problem

Special Correspondent

Awareness on the issue has increased over the years Since 1993, when the law was passed, Germany has handled about 40 cases.

CHENNAI: Processing cases relating to child sexual offenders in which the offence has happened in India poses problems for other countries, Christa Dammermann of Terre des Hommes, Germany said on Thursday.

Recounting the experiences of her home country in taking action against German nationals who commit sexual offences against children abroad, Ms. Dammermann said getting information from the Indian authorities continued to be difficult. Germany has enacted a law which allows the authorities to prosecute nationals who have sexually abused chidlren in other countries too. Since 1993, when the law was passed, about 40 cases have been handled, she said.

Tourists have to respect national and international laws, Ms. Dammermann said, also laying emphasis on the tourism industry's responsibility towards protecting children. Again, she said an agreement had been reached with tour operators in Germany who draw up contracts with the hotels associated with them to train staff about child sexual abuse and keep a watch out among tourists.

Ms. Dammermann also showed three short films on the issue of child abuse by tourists, which had been shot for display in in-flight entertainment programmes, television and cinema halls in Germany. The three spots are understandable internationally, free from stereotypes and care has been taken that they are not offensive to children.

Ms. Dammermann was speaking at a meeting organised by Tulir-Centre for the Prevention and healing of Child Sexual Abuse, `Please Disturb — An Intersectoral Response to Travelling Child Sex Offenders.'

Commissioner of Police Letika Saran said in Chennai cases involving tourist sexual offenders had not come up so far, but the police was taking immediate action on cases relating to sexual abuse, both of minors and adults. While punishments in such cases should act as a deterrent, unfortunately, the case was not so, she added.

Awareness about child sexual abuse had increased much over the years and people are now more willing to give a complaint at the police station than before, Ms. Saran said. Police officers have also been sensitised to handle these cases appropriately and immediately. She also pledged that the city police would extend all possible support to organisations like Tulir CPHCSA working to curb child sexual abuse.

Vidya Reddy of Tulir said the tourism industry would have to take up the responsibility and respond to the challenge in the country. Geeta Ramaseshan, Trustee, said the term paedophilia is sometimes not understood properly even in the legal community.

The recent National Human Rights Commission study on trafficking on women and children in India provided detailed information about the routes and methodologies used by offenders, she said.

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