Child abuse in India: Prevalence Rate, Causes, Laws and Solution
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What is the prevalence rate of child abuse in India?
Child abuse is widely prevalent in India. In fact, child abuse is a global problem. However, causes and associated factors for the prevalence of child abuse vary from society to society. Causes of child abuse in South Asia vary from other regions of the world. Just like other countries of South Asia, there is a high prevalence rate of child abuse in India as well. There are different findings of various studies regarding the prevalence rate of child abuse in India. Findings of a recent study conducted in India reveal that up to 53% of the children reported being abused sexually with one or other form of child sexual abuse (1. reference of the study mentioned at the end).
What are the harms of child abuse?
Child abuse of any form seriously affects the physical health, mental health, and overall life of the children affected by it. There are very serious and lifelong effects of child abuse on the personality of a person affected by it.
Ref: Center for Disease Control
Why there is a rise in the prevalence of child abuse in India?
Child abuse is not a new issue in Indian society. Child abuse was widely prevalent in India. Gradually, the reporting of child abuse has increased by media. Reporting of child abuse has increased in India due to awareness, increased channels of reporting, social media, and other associated factors.
Types of child abuse prevalent in India
There are four main types of child abuse that are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. According to the findings of studies, all types of child abuse are prevalent in India.
What are the causes of child abuse in India?
Following are some of the causes of child abuse in India
1. Vulnerability of children and families due to poverty
2. Child labor
3. Lack of awareness in society about the protection of children
4. Overpopulation
5. Inadequate legislation
6. Lack of political will to resolve the issue of child abuse in India
7. Lack of resources to allocate sufficient budget to solve the issue of child abuse in India.
What are the laws in India to protect children from abuse?
Following are some of the laws in India to protect children from abuse and neglect
- Protection of Children From Sexual Offences Act, 2012
- National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
- Child Welfare Committee (CWC)
- Indian Penal Code, 1860
How to protect children from abuse in India?
To protect children from abuse in India there is a need to revise the current laws, legislation, and child protection policy of India. Instead of legislating blindly, there is a need to create evidence-informed policy and legislation for fighting against the serious issue of child abuse. Child physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are affecting the lives of millions of children in India. Government should launch programs to support vulnerable families and children from abuse. There is a need to educate children that how to protect themselves from child abuse. Parenting workshops are also necessary for educating them about positive and non-abusive parenting. Media must play its role for awareness to protect children from abuse.