Child Protection Crisis - The presentation addresses the invisible crisis affecting children, emphasizing the need to focus on issues impacting their well-being [2] - It highlights the vulnerability of children due to their innocence and the importance of protecting them from the harsh realities of the world [3][4] - The presentation uses the analogy of invisible stars to represent children who vanish without a trace in society, lacking data and visibility [4] Missing and Exploited Children - National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that 127 thousand (1.27 lakh) children went missing between 2018 and 2022, with 47,313 still missing at the end of 2022 [7] - 71.4% of the missing children are girls, indicating a higher risk for this demographic [8] - On average, 70 girls are kidnapped and at least 3 are trafficked in India per day [8] - Missing children are vulnerable to various forms of exploitation, including child labor, child marriage, and the sex industry [6] Education and Child Labor - The importance of education is emphasized to keep children within the system and ensure their safety, referencing the "all pass" policy until 8th grade [9] - Out-of-school children are at a higher risk of abuse due to economic constraints, lack of transportation, sanitation, infrastructure, parental involvement, and poverty [11] - The International Labour Organization (ILO) states that one-third of children in child labor are out of school, driven by poverty, lack of education, and economic inequities [14] - Globally, 160 million children were involved in child labor after COVID-19 [16] Child Sexual Abuse - Child sexual abuse is a violation of rights, body, and trust, impacting many children across the country, often concealed due to fear and social stigma [17] - A 2007 study revealed that over 53.2% of children experienced one or more instances of sexual abuse, with 42.9% being boys, and over 50% of abusers known to the children or family [18] - In 2020, during lockdown, there were 50 thousand cases of child sexual abuse in India, with 1.6% of global child sexual abuse material originating from India [19] - Childline 1098 services received 307 thousand (3.07 lakhs) calls from children, with 30% seeking support and protection from child sexual abuse [19] Prevention and Action - The presentation calls for collective action to protect children by spreading awareness, empowering children and families, identifying and reporting cases, and supporting rehabilitation programs [23] - It encourages individuals to use their talents (singing, writing, teaching, speaking) to raise awareness and prevent abuse [23][24] - The presentation emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in creating a safe and inclusive environment for children to grow [22]

Allegations and Charges - Thomas Pinkerton, a 52-year-old former youth pastor, is facing 24 counts related to child sexual abuse offenses [1][2] - Seven men have come forward, with six alleging abuse occurred in Baltimore County from 2006 to 2010 when Pinkerton was a youth pastor at Central Christian Church [2] - Survivors reported the abuse began when they were between 12 and 17 years old [2] Legal Proceedings and Decisions - Pinkerton was extradited from Georgia to Maryland for a bail review hearing [3] - The judge determined Pinkerton will be held without bond, considering him a flight risk and a danger to public safety [3] - A preliminary hearing is set for September in Baltimore County [6] Details of Alleged Abuse - Survivors detailed a pattern of behavior including massages, handholding, hugging, wrestling, and kissing, which allegedly escalated into sexual molestation [3] - Pinkerton allegedly groomed young men by fostering a spiritual father-son relationship, instructing them to keep the relationship secret [4] - Victims reported instances of being made to sleep with Pinkerton on mission trips and being stripped down as a gesture of "serving" [4] Aftermath and Investigations - The alleged abuse continued until Pinkerton left to begin his own ministry [5] - Another investigation is underway in Georgia for similar accusations [5] - Central Christian Church called the news "Deeply heartbreaking" and stated it is fully cooperating with the investigation [6]