A disturbing action in India has spurred outrage and deep concern. One man brutally assaulted a tiny, ignorant, helpless boy; a woman was close behind watching him hit him hard but not intervening, not stopping the violence. This is cruel and not disciplined practice in this cruel act. It highlights deep-seated questions about the type of society that would lead to such behavior (and the silence that protects abuse from being seen in others) and that there won’t be one to prevent it.
The scene is heartbreaking: a child, powerless and vulnerable, hit repeatedly in the face with one of whom should have been a protector. Again another adult encouraged the abuse and did not intervene. The case is not different across India in these instances: a lot of children are physically punished in homes, in schools and public spaces here. Again what makes an incident like this so concerning is the encouragement of violence by a child is normal and safe to face in certain circumstances.
Children are the most helpless ones of society. If adults use violence as their way of discipline they risk trust, confidence and the child’s sense of safety. The scars of abuse survive for generations emotional trauma, fear, and sometimes physical injury. Such cruelty teaches children that violence is so acceptable, that the cycle continues in other people’s hands.
India has laws against child abuse like the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and provisions in the Juvenile Justice Act. But enforcement is weak and cultural attitudes often excuse or minimize abuse. Many parents and guardians feel hitting is a great way to “teach respect.” In reality it teaches fear and submission. We should understand that discipline isn’t fighting. That discipline will come from caring, patience and responsibility.
Finally ending child abuse has to be a joint effort. Violence must also not be a way for families to exercise control. Victims of abuse must be heard when they see it happening in their community, not silent. Schools need to enforce zero‑tolerance policy for corporal punishment. Parents and others have the rights of children to report abuse. To what extent society changes its mindset, cruelty can never be an OK thing at all. Cruelty can never fit with any kind of moral position, he says.
The image of a man hitting a boy and being supported is so vivid it’s an eye-opening reminder. It is not only good or even desirable to protect our children but is also morally right. India must accept this and put an end to child abuse in children and not send people back to be hurt again.
