Lily PooniaContributing Author, Rightantra The previous articles in our series explained the identification and prevention of child sexual abuse. While those are extremely important steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children, it is equally important to acknowledge the existence of child sexual abuse. It is appalling that every second child in India has been a victim of sexual abuse. However, as their care-takers and well-wishers, it is our duty to prevent and report such offences, as well as understand what protection the law affords to the victims for the duration of the entire proceeding to prosecute and punish the offender.
Through the third part of our series, we elaborate on the rights entitled to a child through POCSO at different stages of the process.
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Anushka MehtaCo-Founder, Rightantra Purple Ribbon Collectivea Youth Organisation, fighting Domestic Violence When discussing the harm caused by acts of domestic violence and cruelty, especially in the Indian context, emphasis is laid only upon the physical and mental injuries caused to the one being abused, who is generally a woman. While the importance of such discussion cannot be denied, there is also another equally vulnerable group which is sidelined, i.e., children, who are affected by acts and consequences of the abuse against their parent. It is the lack of research on the impact and extent of exposure of children to domestic violence which is shocking and requires immediate redressal so that no child will ever again suffer silently at home, the one place which should be their safe place.
Cheshta TaterCo-Founder, Rightantra In our previous article, we explained the concept of a “bad touch” which would aid children in realising any abuse or wrongdoing that may be taking place. However, what happens when a child is not able to understand what he/she has undergone because of their young age, lack of maturity, trauma, or because the abuser is a trusted person (close relative, teacher, caretaker, etc.)? In such a scenario, it is the collective responsibility of all persons around a child to be equipped with the knowledge so as to to identify if the child has been abused. Moreover, it is to be kept in mind that the abuser is also capable in identifying and luring away the most vulnerable children. Therefore, time is of the essence and the moment you believe that a child could be or is being abused, report the same and prevent the child from becoming one of many victims.
For ease in understanding, this article is divided into three parts: (1) Preventive Measures; (2) Measures of Identification; and (3) Reporting Mechanisms Cheshta TaterCo-Founder, Rightantra The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 is popularly known as ‘POCSO’. A highly acclaimed piece of legislation, POCSO criminalises a wide range of acts to create a safe space for children. Unfortunately, sexual offences against children, especially girls, are still committed in huge numbers. A lot of instances also remain unreported. Through the Rightantra POCSO series, we aim to assist our readers achieve two goals:
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