SALEM: “The difference between a good and a bad touch should be understood. A bad touch which makes you feel confused and uncomfortable should be discouraged and parents should be informed about it”.

This was the basic objective that was highlighted in the awareness campaign against child abuse organised jointly by Salem City Ladies Circle No.42 and Tulir, Chennai to mark the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse here on Wednesday.

Collector J. Chandrakumar having a look at the posters on child abuse at an awareness campaign in Salem on Wednesday.

Campaign posters

Collector J. Chandrakumar released the campaign posters, which would be distributed to schools in Salem city.

Abuse

Speakers said many had believed that school and houses were safe for children.

But actually the places were not safe as they could be abused by anyone including relatives, teachers, their friends, drivers or servants.

Study

The abuse could take place in various forms – emotional and physical.

In a study conducted by Tulir in Chennai, it was found that 48 per cent of boys and 39 per cent of girls were sexually abused.

Issues

The Salem City Ladies Circle explain these issues to the students and made them aware of it.

Chairperson Chithra Senthilnathan and Secretary Kajal A Bathija also spoke on the occasion.

The awareness programme would be conducted in schools soon.