A comprehensive examination of the alarming rise in child sexual abuse cases, the legal framework, and the imperative need for collective action to protect the nation’s vulnerable youth

Child sexual abuse continues to be on the rise in our country. It is a prevalent and devastating reality that is consuming our tender, innocent souls—builders of the nation and pillars of tomorrow. Child sexual abuse is defined as sexual activity with a child by an adult, adolescent, or older child. If any adult engages in sexual activity with a child, that is sexual abuse. Children constitute the most vulnerable section of society as they are powerless to safeguard their own rights, and protecting them from any abuse is not only our moral obligation but also a legal responsibility. It is crucial to understand that child sexual abuse traumatizes a child for a lifetime. Therefore, it’s important to address the issue at its roots and stop it from spreading like any epidemic.
India is the second most populous country in the world, and as per the census, it’s home to 19 percent of the world’s children, constituting 42 percent of India’s total population. Overall, 50 percent of these children are in need of care and protection. Hence, it’s very imperative to have a robust child protection mechanism to deal with the vulnerable children who become silent sufferers of any kind of violence.
According to the report on the “study of child abuse” conducted in 2007 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 52.3 percent of India’s children have been sexually assaulted, which means one in every person is subjected to sexual violence before they reach the age of 18 years. The facts and figures on child abuse are alarming and equally concerning. The Indian National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB) reports a child is sexually abused every 15 minutes, and most of the children report abuse by a parent, relative, or school teacher. This is a grave sign and demands urgent attention. There are so many chilling incidents that have happened in the recent past and have often gone unreported and unnoticed in the public sphere. The talk on such issues is still considered taboo in our society. Children prefer to suffer in silence rather than coming open on such matters.
Recently, a bill, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, was passed by the parliament to make a transformative approach to reporting crimes against women and children. The stringent provisions in the law enable the victims to speak without any fear and report the abuse without visiting any police station, thus ensuring time-bound justice. It aims at creating a safer environment and ensures severe punishment for those who commit such horrendous acts of sexual crime.
Besides, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is also the active child protection legislation in India specific to sexual abuse. The Act seeks to provide protection to children from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography while safeguarding the interests of the child at every stage of the judicial process by incorporating child-friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation, and speedy trial of offences through designated special courts.
Despite the strong Acts like POCSO, the child offences graph shows no decline. A multidimensional approach is required in this regard. Vigorous campaigns and programs must be launched by the administration in coordination with NGOs and civil society members to spread awareness. The Acts can prove as an effective tool in curbing the menace of CSA if implemented in letter and spirit. Creating a safer environment for children must be the top priority of any civilized society.
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

Muzamil Bashir