A distressing case of a young child seeking refuge on the streets of her own neighbourhood, rather than in her home, has come to light in Ahmedabad. The incident underscores the hidden perils of isolation and familial disconnect within urban households.
Good Samaritan Alert Leads to Rescue
The Abhayam 181 women helpline recently intervened in a poignant case from the Vastrapur area. Officials received a call from a concerned resident, a Good Samaritan, who reported seeing a young girl loitering in the locality for most of the day. The caller expressed concern that the child seemed afraid to return home.
A team from the helpline promptly reached the spot. They found the 10-year-old girl with a mobile phone and some money. When approached, she led the counsellors to her residence, which was nearby.
A Home Divided: The Root of the Problem
Upon counselling the girl and her mother, a sad reality unfolded. The mother lives in Ahmedabad with her three daughters, while the father resides in Kutch. To make ends meet, the mother works long hours, leaving home early and returning late.
The two elder sisters, aged about 16 and 20 years, remained engrossed in their own activities and digital devices. They reportedly refused to take responsibility for their younger sibling. "The elder daughters apparently told the 10-year-old that she was the mother's responsibility and not theirs," shared a counsellor.
Feeling unwanted and isolated, the young girl tried to stay out of their way. She would return home late, eat whatever was left, and sleep. The situation had escalated to the point where city police had also spotted the girl roaming. She told them she was just wandering around.
Helpline Intervention and a Mother's Promise
The revelation came as a shock to the hard-working mother. The counsellors from Abhayam 181 provided guidance to both the child and her mother. They stressed the importance of supervision, sibling bonding, and creating a secure environment for the youngest daughter.
"The mother assured us that she will keep an eye on the daughters and ensure that it does not happen again for the safety of the child," stated the helpline official. The counselling session aimed to bridge the emotional gap in the family and prevent the young girl from seeking solace on the dangerous streets.
This case serves as a critical reminder of the perils of isolation children can face even within their own homes, especially in nuclear families where parents are overworked and older siblings are disengaged. It highlights the vital role community vigilance and helplines like Abhayam 181 play in safeguarding vulnerable children.
