Shield: Smart Detection System to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Child sexual abuse is a global issue that is not very well addressed in literature and usually goes unnoticed; it has many negative lasting effects on the victims and impacts the society as a whole. This paper will introduce a novel solution, called Shield, that aids in the prevention of most acts of sexual abuse or assault against children. The system is cost efficient, compatible with children’s day-to-day life and can keep parents connected and, aware of their child’s situation at all times. Shield is a smart system that detects child sexual abuse occurrence using a set of vital signs obtained by a smartwatch worn by the child. Additionally, it uses pressure sensors attached close to the child’s private areas in case they were violated. After the indication of a sexual abuse, the system produces an alarm to deter and stop the assaulter, it also takes a picture of the abuser using a hidden camera and sends it to the parents’ smart phone along with the location of the child.