India: Child sexual abuse of children

The rape and murder of Nirbhaya was followed by tremendous public outcry and a great deal of soul searching about the problem of sexual violence in India. While great awareness has been raised about sexual violence against women, much less is known about the problem of sexual abuse of children. A 2007 study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development based on interviews with 12,500 children in 13 different states, reported serious and widespread sexual abuse; Children are sexually abused at home, by people in their neighborhoods, at school, and in residential facilities meant to provide shelter and protection. Most of such cases are not reported. Many are victimized again and again by a justice system that often refuses to hear or believe them or take serious note of it.

A 2007 study by the Ministry of Women and Child Development based on interviews with 12,500 children in 13 different states, reported serious and widespread sexual abuse; Children are sexually abused at home, by people in their neighborhoods, at school, and in residential facilities meant to provide shelter and protection. Most of such cases are not reported. Many are victimized again and again by a justice system that often refuses to hear or believe them or take serious note of it.

A number of authorities including political leaders, administrators, police, and judges, have publicly condemned the sexual abuse of children. A new law the Protection Of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) has been enacted in India for over a year now. Yet, social stigma, lack of awareness and negligence continues to facilitate perpetuation of such crimes.Watch HRW’s film that brings these loopholes into perspective…

Watch HRW’s film that brings these loopholes into perspective…