Dark Shadows in the city – Unveiling Child Sexual Abuse in Delhi

Not every success story starts with a bang. The BSTI team’s journey to fight against child sexual abuse in Delhi is a testament to that. From facing setbacks to experiencing slow, steady growth, their path was paved with sheer determination. Ms. Tanmay Anand’s (Delhi team coordinator at BSTI) unwavering spirit is what brought this remarkable group together. Though the path was marked by numerous challenges, each obstacle was met with grit and a steadfast belief in their mission.

The Delhi team thrives on a unique energy. Failures fuelled their resolve, each new team member added a brick to their growing foundation, and their motivation and confidence blossomed alongside their numbers. Despite being geographically distanced from the rest of the Bachpan team in Chandigarh and missing out on offline celebrations, they found innovative ways to bond and celebrate their milestones through informal outings and gatherings. This spirit of togetherness and adaptability has been central to their story.

This is the story of a team that refused to be defined by limitations. It’s a tale of overcoming obstacles, achieving incredible milestones, and culminating in a groundbreaking social experiment conducted right in the heart of Delhi, all in an effort to fight against child sexual abuse in Delhi. So, how did this experiment come about, and what other remarkable feats did the Delhi team accomplish on their path from zero to a hundred? Let’s dive in and explore their inspiring journey.

Why Did the BSTI Team Perform a Sociological Experiment?

As you probably know, “the sole organization in Chandigarh devoted to preventing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is Bachpan Save The Innocence (BSTI).” BSTI also runs analogous initiatives in Delhi and Mathura. Now, the question is: Why is CSA such an important topic to discuss?

The Urgency of Addressing Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) – It is sufficient to take action because 1 in 2 Indian children either currently suffer from CSA or have experienced it at some point in their lives. While it may not be possible to completely stop an abuser from assaulting, we can protect victims and support them in turning from victims to fighters.

The Groundbreaking Social Experiment

The experiment involved displaying a series of thought-provoking posters in public spaces, each addressing a different aspect of CSA. The posters aimed to dispel myths, provide resources, and encourage open dialogue around this sensitive topic. By engaging passersby through interactive elements like “free hugs” and message boards, BSTI sought to foster a sense of community support for survivors.

Importantly, the team also assessed the general level of awareness through a quiz, revealing that while many remain uninformed about the prevalence and dynamics of CSA, there is a growing willingness to confront this challenge head-on. The responses highlighted the need for comprehensive sex education and a more supportive societal environment for survivors.

The Six Posters

• 1. 1 in 2 Children in India Gets Sexually Abused
• 2. Free Hugs
• 3. Words Act as Bandages
• 4. Leave a Message for the Survivors
• 5. Will Someone Listen to Me? Yes, We Will!
• 6. Sharing Your CSA Story Will Start Your Healing Journey

Awareness Quiz and Insights

To measure public awareness about child sexual abuse in Delhi, the team conducted a quiz and received various responses. While many people were unaware of the critical issues surrounding CSA, there is hope that over time, awareness and support for victims will increase. The quiz results showed an 80:20 ratio of uninformed to informed individuals, underscoring the necessity of continued education and advocacy.

Achievements of BSTI in Preventing Child Sexual Abuse in Delhi

Delhi team started with a small set of individuals having a common noble cause of raising awareness about CSA and protecting children from the monsters in disguise present in the society, from there they have now come a long way resulting in a large and passionate group of members. They have accomplished several milestones in their way creating a difference in the society.

Let’s take a look into the achievements of the Delhi team in –

Life Changing Sessions

Sessions were taken at various places in Delhi including schools, slum areas, etc. These sessions are the backbone of our organization which helps us interact directly with the public, especially the children but it was also difficult to get official permissions, going to the schools. Initially, Tanmay and her teammates were disappointed when there were fewer volunteers and the existing members couldn’t make it alone but gradually, they have achieved so much with the help of the whole team that they never imagined was possible.

The sessions were done in the following places-

1. St Anthony
2. Sachdeva Public School
3. Sarvodaya School
4. Slum Areas
5. Session at CCI
6. West Delhi govt. Schools with DCPO
7. Kendriya Vidyalaya
8. Delhi NCR region – Faridabad, Gurgaon, Noida
9. Sessions for youth on Cybersafety

This team is spreading its wings to achieve marvelous results in the future also and is constantly working towards its aim. Recently, the interns of the Delhi team have also given sessions in states like Bihar and Chhattisgarh for the very first time. Their dedication towards preventing child sexual abuse in Delhi is awe-inspiring.

Interview with Ishq FM 104.8

The interview became an unforgettable memory for the Delhi team, especially for Tanmay who represented Bachpan on air. Initially, the whole thing seemed quite nerve-wracking as this was the first experience for the team members on such a platform but as it began the nervousness turned into excitement and the interview went on incredibly. Gradually RJ Tripti who was taking the interview also got to know about the purpose and goal of our organization and was quite astonished by the informative knowledge about Child Sexual Abuse she received. It was a proud moment for the whole team to represent Bachpan to aware people about Child Sexual Abuse in Delhi and all over India on such a significant platform.

Other Wonderful efforts by the team to help prevent child sexual abuse in Delhi

The Delhi team also prepared stalls at various locations on different occasions to reach a large mass of people. No doubt they were pretty successful in their attempt and new volunteers also joined the community through these. Following are the places where the stalls were installed –

1. Diwali stall at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences
2. Awareness stall at Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences

Therefore, this enthusiastic team of the Capital is growing at a tremendous rate bringing a change in society by their outstanding work. Many special moments in their journey made it worth remembering, the team members shared their little joyous moments with the children during the sessions. While delivering sessions at schools, the children gifted the members with handmade letters, took the signatures of the team members.

The Delhi team’s social experiment and their journey from humble beginnings to significant achievements highlight their resilience, innovation, and dedication to social change. Their story reminds us of the power of determination and the impact of collective effort in addressing critical social issues.

This social experiment underscores BSTI’s steadfast commitment to protecting children and empowering survivors. By shedding light on this critical issue of child sexual abuse in Delhi, the organization aims to inspire meaningful change and create a safer, more compassionate future for all.

How Can YOU Support Us?

As an individual, you can play a crucial role in supporting BSTI’s mission:

1. Raise Awareness: Share our work and amplify the voice of our cause on a larger platform.
2. Volunteer: Join the Bachpan family and help us create a safe environment for current and future generations.
3. Donate: Contribute to our cause by donating through the link provided below. All donations fund free workshops in government schools and slum areas.

Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against Child Sexual Abuse and ensure a brighter, safer future for children everywhere.