Child sexual abuse in India is the most common and alarming issue amongst all. Any activities involving child who is physically and mentally immature and being used to gratify the sexual desire of an adult or another child can be referred as CSA. The survey by Government of India & Ministry of Women and Child Development (2007) presents the data of all forms of child abuse in which Child sexual abuse ranks the highest.
According to survey by World Health Organization, there were 57,000 deaths caused by child abuse in 2000 globally. These kind of abuses when left unaddressed can have adverse psychological effects, traumas, suicidal attempts, depression, anxiety etc on the victim.
It is a massive challenge for society to put an end to such heinous crimes. There are various factors responsible behind these practises being executed such as the environment in which the child is being brought up and the time during which a child remains unmonitored in case of both the parents working.
Most CSA practises go unreported which provides more strength to the culprits to carry out such crimes. Hence, proper guidance and awareness is required in order to prevent the happenings and early identification of potential risks by the parents.
There are several provisions made by the Indian Government in order to prevent the child abuse : Indian Penal Code, 1860
1) Section 315 and 316 of IPC states that whoever is involved in activity of prevention of child birth i.e abortion or causing the child to die after its birth, shall, be sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
2) Section 372 and 373 Punishes the culprit involved in purchasing or selling of children for purpose of prostitution. The culprit shall be punished with 10 years imprisonment or fine or both.
3) Section 317 Sentences a 7 years imprisonment or fine or both to the mother or father who abandons their child intentionally before the age of twelve.
Conclusion
As per the latest report India has reported over 24L child abuse since 2017-202. Since Child sexual abuse in India is one of the most practiced and significant social issues in the world, addressing it and taking preventive measures becomes the utmost priority of parents and each member of society. These laws are made as the strict action is imposed when such an act takes place.
To fight child secual abuse in India and raise your voice with us and visit our website - www.savethechildren.in
