Physically, emotionally, and sexually injuring, ill-treatment, exploitation, negligence or divestment of any child is called child abuse. Widespread, mostly seen, yet hidden, child abuse breeds within our society. We must identify the root of this evil and works towards dismissing it completely; the solution is information and addressal. Children, largely, aren’t able to apprehend the gravity of affairs; it is because of this lack of knowledge and confidence on their abusers, they are often incapable of conveying that they have been abused or mistreated. At these times, as adults, we must be their advocates to report child abuse; we must strengthen and encourage them to speak up.
The Constitution of India, Article 15(3), authorises the administration to make unprecedented provisions for children. Article 39 of Part IV of the Constitution guarantees that the state directs its policy towards securing children from exploitation. It makes clear that children do not enter occupations that hamper their growth and development. It also works towards presenting susceptible children with health care, education, and a secure environment. Even today, laws against child abuse are being tested by delinquents whose actions seldom get reported. We must, in our endeavour, to protect those who are vulnerable, understand the laws established to fight and report child abuse.
Here are a few laws against child abuse, to help you learn the initiatives taken by the nation’s representatives.
a) The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 is India’s introductory law that deals with children in need of care and protection.
b) The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012 battles sexual violence against children.
c) The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 includes several new sexual offences under the Indian Penal Act, such as Section 376(2)(i), IPC, which penalises the rape of a female under 16 years. Colluding with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), Save the Children initiated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Care and Protection of Children in Street Situations.
The proceedings taken for recovery and rehabilitation include getting these children legally listed with Aadhaar cards, health insurance, bank accounts and financial funding for families to help meet the medicinal and dietary necessities of a child. It also brings together children into groups to train them and build awareness to fight against child marriages, trafficking, abuse, child labour, and other evils endangering their innocence.
Have you done your part yet? Report child abuse.
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