There is a growing concern about
the rising incidents of children being sexually abused and raped. While the
number of reported cases is alarming, the fact remains that even a larger
number of cases might have been unreported, especially where the perpetrators
of the crime are members of the family.
The issue requires to be dealt
with a socio-legal frame of mind. While we have laws making child abuse a
punishable offence, the law does not seem to be deterrent enough. One of the
reasons behind it might be the fact that the implementation is not as desired. There
are flaws both at the investigation level as well as at the trial stage. And these
should be properly dealt with. Further, the issue of the non-reporting of
incidents also poses a problem in the area of implementation and investigation.
A strict implementation of laws protecting the rights of children is a need of
the hour.
Another issue is the lack of
education at the lower section of the society. Further, the fact the children
can be subjected to sexual assault is not something that even parents take
seriously and that makes children an easy target. There is a need for
developing social awareness about the rights of children at all sections of the
society. And this should be addressed from various platforms including gram panchayats
and other elected bodies, street plays, through mass media and schools and
hospitals. Both parents and children should be educated about the right of
children to be protected from abuse. A child should be aware that his body is
not be touched and such acts should be immediately reported to his parents and
guardians. Further, parents and other primary caregivers must be taught to take
such complaints seriously. Special attention must be paid to children at foster
homes, orphanages and those with special needs. There must be a monitoring
system at place to ensure the safety of children.
Developing strong public
awareness and public opinion against such offences will also help curb the
same.
