Ahmedabad Teenager Faces Sexual Exploitation by Relatives After Mother's Attempt to Curb Phone Addiction
In a distressing incident from Ahmedabad, a 15-year-old Class 10 student became a victim of sexual exploitation by her maternal uncle and his son after her mother sent her to their residence to address her phone addiction. The mother, a single parent with two daughters, had hoped this move would help her younger daughter, who is appearing for board exams this year, concentrate better on her studies.
Mother's Well-Intentioned Plan Takes a Dark Turn
The girl was sent to her maternal uncle's home for a period of two months with the intention of providing a distraction-free environment. During this time, whenever the mother inquired about her daughter's well-being, the uncle assured her that the girl was doing fine and focusing on her studies satisfactorily. However, the reality was far from what was portrayed.
Upon returning home after the two-month stay, the traumatized girl confided in her elder sister about the horrific experiences she had endured. She revealed that her maternal uncle had touched her inappropriately under the guise of taking care of her, while her cousin exploited her multiple times while she was asleep. Fearful of the consequences, the girl did not confront the perpetrators or inform her mother immediately.
Shocking Revelation and Immediate Action
The mother was left in a state of shock upon learning about the exploitation. She expressed her intention to take legal action against her brother. The family then approached the Abhayam 181 women helpline, where counsellors provided immediate support and guidance.
A counsellor from the helpline stated, "We counselled the family members and also helped them approach Chandkheda police station for further action." The counsellor added that the girl had already been experiencing suicidal thoughts due to the trauma, highlighting the severe psychological impact of the incident.
Broader Implications and Community Response
This case underscores the critical need for vigilance and open communication within families, especially when children are placed in the care of relatives. It also raises awareness about the potential dangers of well-meaning but poorly monitored interventions for issues like phone addiction.
The Chandkheda police have been approached for further investigation, and the family is receiving ongoing counselling to cope with the emotional fallout. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young students, particularly in single-parent households, and the importance of robust support systems.
