Injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent care, or mistreatment of a child are all examples of child abuse. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), abuse can be physical, mental, emotional, or psychological, or it can take the shape of neglect or exploitation. Child abuse, in its different forms, may be found everywhere in India: in cities and rural households, in affluent and poor homes, on the streets and in schools.
The Indian Constitution provides many provisions for the protection and wellbeing of children. It has given the legislature the authority to enact specific laws and policies to protect children’s rights. Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 19(1)(a), 21, 21(A), 23, 24, 39(e), and 39(f) of the Indian Constitution provide for the protection, safety, security, and well-being of all its citizens, including children.
Child abuse is a common occurrence in India, especially when it occurs in the home or by family members. The focus on abuse has typically been in the more public sphere, such as child labour, prostitution, marriage, and so on. In our nation, the criminal is known in 80-85 percent of child rape cases. They might be a neighbour, a member of the community, a relative, or even a family member.
One of the worst things that may happen to a youngster is a sexual offence committed by a known person. Many victims do not disclose when the attacker is a family member for fear of social disgrace. Minors are sometimes unaware that they are being mistreated. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, even the strongest police systems and strictest regulations cannot guarantee the prevention of sexual assault against minors.
Police have the authority to penalise the culprit after the crime has been committed. However, the harm has already been done. A prison sentence for the accused comes after years of legal fight and does little to assist the victim cope with lifetime anguish. Many victims are forced to amend their testimony in court simply because the subject has been ‘amicably handled’ among the elders. Many rapes occur in urban slums when children are left alone or with someone known to their parents.
It creates situations that endanger a child’s health, welfare, and safety. It can also cause long-term physical and psychological stress. This trauma affects both families and society. Victims of childhood maltreatment are more sensitive to mental health stress as adults. Due to cultural standards, there is little conversation about sex in the home, especially safety.
Offenders have used the perceived shame linked to a victim as an escape mechanism. Poorer children are more vulnerable than wealthy children. A growing worry in India is the pressure placed on children to do well in school and college tests, which can be seen as a kind of emotional stress and abuse. Children are used as cheap labour by manufacturers. Malnourishment, stunting, and wasting are all common.
Through strict legislative requirements, the Protection of Minors from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act of 2012 addresses the crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. Online complaint management system for easy and direct reporting of sexual assaults on children and prompt action against perpetrators.
The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) ensures that all laws, policies, and programmes are consistent with the Child Rights viewpoint as embodied in the Indian Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through a partnership between the government and civil society, the goal is to create a safe environment for children in tough situations.
Operation Smile, also known as Operation MUSKAAN, is a Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) project to find and rehabilitate missing children. The Right to Education Act (RTE). ‘BetiBachao, BetiPadhao’ is a television show.
The number of reported instances has grown in comparison to previous years, owing to increasing understanding as a result of numerous training and awareness efforts. In such a scenario, it is critical to expedite the investigation and court case in order to enhance the conviction rate and prevent jeopardising the survivor’s credibility. Furthermore, the procedure as a whole should be more child-friendly.