Act swiftly when kids complain about sexual harassment

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The Kurar police recently arrested a 32-year-old man on charges of molesting three minor schoolgirls. According to a report, the incident came to light when an 11-year-old girl resorted to self-harm using a cutter on the premises of her school. A teacher questioned her, and the girl spoke about the ordeal she and her friends endured. The teacher immediately alerted the parents of three minors, playing a crucial role in bringing this case to the attention of the authorities.

An FIR was then lodged, with one of the victim's mothers as the complainant. With prompt action and the support of locals, the courageous mother managed to apprehend the accused within the locality and handed him over to the police on July 20. He now faces charges under Section 354D of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. According to the report, the accused always followed these girls while they were walking on the road. He used to touch their hair and body on the pretext of giving them food and money.

This highlights the importance of quick action on all fronts. The teacher spoke to the girl sensing something was wrong and then, to her parents. We also see that locals pitched in. Often, children are not believed, or adults claim they must be imagining that they are being stalked or simply do not take them seriously enough.

It also shows us the very real and damaging impact of stalking, the terror it can strike in people and how fear can take over your life. The stalker works on surprise, intimidation and fear. The cowardly act most times, escalates if the stalking goes unchecked as the stalker feels emboldened. This is the reason complaints must be made early, youngsters educated about stalking and punitive action swift and strict.