Child Abuse

Teachers and child activists have raised an alarm over an increase in the number of child abuse cases in Australia. They expressed concern about incidents relating to children forcing other children into sexual acts. Children as young as three are becoming victims of this form of child abuse.

In India, it is a fact that young girls, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, are at a higher risk of being sexually exploited than boys. Several surveys conducted way back in 1987, reported that 20 percent of women prostitutes are actually minors. 

Many crimes are committed by children in India, so are crimes being done against them. Children related laws and issues continue to pose serious concern in different parts of the country. In the years 2003 - 2004, India witnessed a rise of 7.9 percent in offences committed by minors. These offences include arson, theft and cheating by minors who are in the age group of 16 to 18 years. Indian law addresses the issue through the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. The Act was enforced in April 2001 and replaced the Juvenile Justice Act, 1986. The Act has laid down a uniform juvenile justice system throughout India.

Sex abuse scandals have taken the Church in Ireland by storm in March 2010. There has been tremendous pressure on Cardinal Sean Brady to resign after reports indicating that he did not inform the police about sexual abuse of children by Father Brendan Smyth, who is one of Ireland’s most notorious child abusers.

Childhood is glorified by writers, poets, thinkers, educators, teachers and so many others. Have you wondered why there is so much importance given to children even in the Indian Constitution and the Directive Principles of State Policy? Truth is that childhood is a critical period in the life of an individual because abilities and vulnerabilities are molded and developed based on the influence in the social environment. For the same reason, protection of the child and being aware of child rights is important for the well being of every country.