They said counselling can assuage the mental wound of the victims, but their rehabilitation needs greater co-operation from the society.

The seminar titled 'Counselling for the children who suffered sexual violence' was organised by Breaking The Silence (BTS) at Women's Voluntary Association (WVA) auditorium in the city.

Speaking at the programme Assistant Professor of the National Institute of Mental Health Md Zahir Uddin said girl children, who suffered from physical or mental abuse, undergo serious level of mental strain which have a long lasting effect on their mental health.

Being unable to cope with the mental strain, some of these girl children commit suicide, he added.

He said these children should be treated with utmost care so that they do not blame themselves for what happened to them.

Children should be taught that if anybody tries to fondle the sensitive parts of their bodies, they should be aware of it and immediately inform their guardians of the matter.

Citing some studies, Zahir said in most of the cases such occurrences take place during 9:00am to 1:00pm, and parents and guardians should be careful that their children remain secure during this particular time of the day.

He said in protecting the children of working parents from any kind of abuse, daycare centres can play an important role.

A good number of daycare centres have mushroomed for the children of middle and high income group parents, he said, adding that such centres should also have arrangements so that lower income group people can get benefit from them.

That only male adults cause such abuse is a popular misperception, Zahir said, adding that female adults too can abuse children.

He said the task of the counsellor is to enhance the victim's mental strength so that she can cope with the pressure from the environment.

That is why counsellors should be properly trained, he added.

Counsellor of Breaking The Silence Farzana Rashid Chowdhury said BTS and its partner organisations are working to help at two levels, raising social awareness and counselling the victims.

"If people in general become aware of this type of social evils, we can ensure a future generation that would be mentally sound," she said.

Farzana said for the girl children who suffer sexual violence, the organisation provides counsels and offers legal support.

She said it also counsels the family members of the victims so that they can provide the victims with the care that they need.

Moderated by BTS acting president Rokeya Manna, the seminar was also addressed by its Senior Programme Coordinator Rokeya Sultana.