As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the University of Jaffna, the Department of Philosophy organized a special lecture on October 18, 2024, at the Seminar Hall of the Faculty of Arts on the topic “Child Abuse: Theory and Practice,” delivered by Mr. K. Rajeevan, a Child Rights Protection Officer from the Tellipalai Divisional Secretariat. The event, moderated by Mrs. A. Rajkumar, Head of the Department of Philosophy, saw active participation from Philosophy and Psychology students, as well as academic staff.

The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of child abuse, focusing on both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to understanding and addressing the issue. Mr. Rajeevan shared his extensive experience working in child protection, shedding light on the different forms of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect—and their impact on children’s development. He emphasized the importance of early intervention and the role of professionals, institutions, and communities in safeguarding children’s rights.

One of the key aspects of the talk was Mr. Rajeevan’s discussion on the legal frameworks and policies that protect children in Sri Lanka. He also provided real-life examples from his work to illustrate the challenges faced in child protection and the measures taken to support and rehabilitate affected children. His presentation offered students valuable insights into how theory translates into practice within the field of child protection.

Following the lecture, a Q&A session allowed students to seek clarification on various aspects of child abuse, including how to identify signs of abuse and the ethical responsibilities of professionals in this field. The students’ engagement in the session reflected their deep interest in the topic and their eagerness to understand the practical challenges involved in child protection.

The special lecture was an enlightening experience for the students, offering them not only theoretical knowledge but also practical tools and perspectives for addressing child abuse in their future careers. The Department of Philosophy’s initiative to include this critical topic as part of the University’s Golden Jubilee celebrations was highly appreciated by both students and staff.