Child Abuse In India And Protection In Indian Law

Vishakha Jaiprakash Thanvi, BA-LLB, TMV’s Lokmanya Tilak Law College, Kharghar

ABSTRACT

The issue of child sexual abuse is pervasive. In India, rape is the fourth most common crime committed against women. Childhood sexual abuse demonstrates that our country is rife with paedophiles eager to exploit any child they come across. People who prey on others’ innocence are genuine monsters, some of them hide in their own homes/schools/neighborhoods or in their surrounds, and the majority of whom are well-known to the victim. In India, several rape incidents drew extensive media attention and sparked protests. As a result, India’s legal code for crimes of rape and sexual assault was revised.

Over the last decade, the number of juveniles, or those under the age of 18, who commit crimes has increased alarmingly. This should be cause for concern in a country where 47.21 crore people, or over 39% of the population, are under the age of 18.The majority of sexually assaulted children never recover. Regardless of language or religious distinctions, child abuse occurs in every society. Child abuse is frequently committed by someone the child knows or trusts, including so-called online virtual buddies these days.