What inspired Samutthana to organise this Forum on Child Sexual Abuse?
Samutthana's Senior Technical Officer, Nivendra Uduman, has been working on the issues of CSA for quite awhile. It is of course a significant social problem in Sri Lanka, often swept under the carpet and not spoken about. The voices of survivors are not heard. This is what inspired Samutthana to organise 'MAYA'S STORY – A SURVIVOR’S TALE’ under its ‘Expert by Experience’ programme.


Is Maya a fictional character?
Not at all. She is someone who connected with Samutthana because of her interest in the work we do. Samutthana was a vehicle for her to tell her story of being sexually abused as a child, and also an organisation through which she could reach out to other survivors so that they could be supported.


What inspired her to tell her story?
As a young adult, Maya sought help through various organisations for dealing with the effects of CSA but couldn't find anyone who was qualified and trained enough to help her. This needed to change, and by telling her story she hopes that policy makers and politicians in Sri Lanka will take Child Sexual Abuse more seriously, and also that health professionals will open their eyes to what is lacking in the health system. She also wanted to spread awareness and help mothers to protect their children from predators.


How was the Panel chosen?
Heading the Panel was Dr. Mahesan Ganesan, a Director of Samutthana and one of Sri Lanka's foremost Consultant Psychiatrists. His vast experience in the field of mental health and his very compassionate approach towards mental health care made him the obvious first choice. Dr. Lorna Fortune (Counselling Psychologist) and Dorian Cole (Family Systemic Psycho-therapist) from the United Kingdom are volunteering with Samutthana at present. Their expertise and background in child protection, family therapy and psychotherapy made them ideal Panellists. Finally, Shyamala Gomez was a strong link because of her professional background and experience as a lawyer, and also because of her interest in psycho-social issues. It was a diverse Panel, and that helped give perspective to the entire Forum. Moderating the Panel discussions were Nivendra Uduman from Samutthana, supported by Rosanna Flamer-Caldera from Equal Grounds.


How much of a problem is Child Sexual Abuse in Sri Lanka?
It is a significant issue in Sri Lanka and has been for quite a while. Apart from the western paedophiles abusing local children, CSA in this country also includes child prostitution, incest, abuse by siblings, rape, and other forms of sexual violence. It is not only girls who are abused, but boys too - and whether we like it or not, it is most often someone the child trusts, usually a family related member or close family friend.


What was your original aim in organising this Forum on Child Sexual Abuse?
To spread awareness and bring to light this problem which is often not spoken about. This in turn would be an initial step towards the prevention of children being violated.


What was the outcome?
Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse who attended the Forum had a safe opportunity to speak about their experiences which was very strengthening to all those fighting towards the prevention and eradication of CSA. There were also many ideas about how communities could join hands to spread awareness and protect children in Sri Lanka. Another outcome was to be able to link any survivors who needed psychological support to relevant organisations.


What next?
Samutthana hopes to take awareness programmes on Child Sexual Abuse to schools both in and out of Colombo. This is of top priority and plans have already been laid. There is also the need to advocate for policy level changes for which we hope to join hands with other relevant individuals and organisations, both in the private and government sector. We would also like to start a Support Group for CSA survivors.


Will you be conducting similar events in the future?
We have had requests to conduct similar events on topics like Domestic Violence, Single Parenting, LGBTIQ issues, etc. We hope to do so in the coming months - so watch this space!