Needless to say that these children are more often than not prone to the danger of either being harmed or killed, and of course, danger of being sexually abused by unscrupulous persons. Aside the abuse on adolescents, domestic violence which criminologists call "crime of passion" has equally taken the centre stage in the homes of many.
But with the recent vigorous campaigns against this anti-social vices by some non-governmental organisations, NGOs, the awareness seemed to be making some degree of impact. However, one person who seemed to taken this war against this societal ills with passion is the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire who also doubles as the Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
Launching the 'Yellow Card' recently against child abuse and violence against women, the Deputy Governor said she intends to bring to the knowledge of parents the need to respect the child's right law in Lagos State. According to her: "Every child has the right to survival, protection, development and participation.
We want to inculcate in parents the fact it is dangerous to keep their children who are of school age out of school because it is against the law; penalty is jail term or fine of N200,000. Apart from this, making child hawk is prohibited in Lagos and in the event of hawking, your children can be kidnapped, raped or even killed by moving vehicles. So it is wrong to expose your children"
Continuing, Mrs Orelope-Adefulire said a child who is not properly socialised may suffer what criminologist calls Learning Disability, LD, aggressive behaviors, drug abuse and misuse, anxiety, behavioral, conduct and personality disorder, running away from home, destruction of property etc.