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Why is child sex abuse such a global problem & what can we all do help protect & heal children at risk?

If you’re interested in helping to create a world where children are feel safe from abuse, listen to this Brave New Girls week’s guest Pooja Taparia who co-founded Arpan, India’s largest non-profit working to eliminate child sexual abuse because every child has a right to be safe and protected from sexual abuse and heal from its ill effects. In this episode we find out the extent of this problem, what is being done to prevent it & how we can help give our children a safer world to grow up in.

In the U.S, the estimated lifetime economic burden of Child Sex Abuse is $9.3B, and in the U.K, annual costs are estimated at £3.2B. With 50% of 1.3B people in India experiencing some degree of CSA, this is a global issue & so how can we help protect every child’s right to be safe from sexual abuse?

Pooja Taparia shared alarming global statistics on child sexual abuse and detailed ARPAN's multifaceted approach to tackle this issue. ARPAN's strategy includes prevention through education in schools, counselling for survivors to mitigate long-term trauma, and broad-scale empowerment programs. The NGO's reach, impacting millions, highlights the effectiveness of their methods which can be adapted in various communities to protect children.

Child sexual abuse is an epidemic that knows no borders, impacting children across the globe irrespective of their socio-economic status or culture. The haunting numbers reflect a harsh reality: millions are affected, with profound and lasting consequences for individuals and societies. In this week's Brave New Girls podcast, I speak to Pooja Taparia, founder of ARPAN NGO, who sheds light on this global crisis and the actions her organization is taking to combat it.

ARPAN's approach pivots on two critical axes: prevention through education and healing through support. Their programs in schools aim to equip children with the knowledge of personal safety and the confidence to speak out. This education is crucial in a world where abuse often hides in plain sight. The statistics are stark: in the U.S., the economic burden of child sexual abuse is estimated at $9.3 billion, a figure that mirrors the enormity of the problem.

But awareness alone isn't enough. Healing the scars of abuse is a journey, and ARPAN's counseling services offer survivors a path to reclaim their lives. This dual strategy of prevention and healing is something every community can adopt. From recognizing the signs of abuse to creating environments where children feel safe to disclose, we all have a part to play.

Here are ten actionable steps inspired by Pooja Taparia's work that we can all take to contribute to a safer society for children: 

1. Educate yourself and others about the signs and consequences of child sexual abuse.

2. Volunteer or support organizations that work towards child safety and healing.

3. Foster open communication with children; let them know they can talk to you about anything.

4. Advocate for school programs that teach personal safety and abuse prevention.

5. Be vigilant in your community; if something seems amiss, speak up.

6. Encourage and support legislative efforts to protect children and punish offenders.

7. Engage in respectful dialogues to destigmatize the discussion around child sexual abuse.

8. Support survivors in seeking counseling and therapy to overcome trauma.

9. Participate in or organize local awareness campaigns to keep the conversation going.

10. Donate to research and interventions focused on preventing and healing child sexual abuse.

In conclusion, child sexual abuse is a pervasive issue, deeply ingrained and often overlooked. The work of individuals like Pooja Taparia and organizations like ARPAN NGO points us towards solutions that can be tailored to fit local contexts, ensuring that every child is armed with knowledge, and every survivor has access to healing. We can draw inspiration from the Brave New Girls podcast to live better and contribute to a world where the safety of children is paramount.

As we reflect on our role in society, we come back to the essential questions: Why is child sexual abuse such a global problem? And what can we all do to help protect and heal children at risk?

PS. Listen HERE to Pooja’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.