[Applause] Think back to when you were 14 years old. Who was the person that you looked up to the most. Who did you want to be like, the role model in your life.Take a moment and picture them. Was it your dad, your mom, someone famous. maybe a sports coach.That role model shaped who you wanted to become. And whether you knew it or not, they shaped part of who you are today. So, here's the question I asked myself.Would the boy I once was look up to the man I am today. Let me be very clear. This isn't a messa ...

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]