CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT, 2012
AUTHOR – LOKASHRUTI GANESAN, STUDENT AT KES SHRI JAYANTILAL H PATEL LAW COLLEGE
BEST CITATION – LOKASHRUTI GANESAN, CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT, 2012, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (7) OF 2026, PG. 178-184, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/IJLRV6I720
ABSTRACT
Child sexual abuse (CSA) represents a profound societal challenge, particularly in conservative contexts like India, where discussions on sexuality are often avoided, leading to underreporting and heightened vulnerability among children. Globally and in India, CSA affects a significant portion of the youth, with estimates suggesting one-third to one-half of children experience abuse, often perpetrated by trusted individuals such as family members, educators, or community figures, resulting in lasting physical, psychological, and social harm.
This study aims to examine the prevalence, causes, impacts, legal frameworks, reporting challenges, and preventive strategies for CSA, with a focus on empowering families, communities, and institutions in India to foster child safety and awareness under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The analysis draws on a literature review of global and Indian data on CSA incidence, offender profiles, and psychological effects, alongside an evaluation of the POCSO Act’s provisions, including its 2019 amendments for stricter penalties and child-friendly procedures. It
incorporates qualitative insights into causes, victim impacts, reporting barriers like coercion and stigma, and practical preventive measures, such as body safety education and community campaigns, synthesized from policy documents and awareness guidelines.
CSA inflicts immediate effects like fear, anxiety, and PTSD, alongside long-term risks including self-harm, substance abuse, and relational difficulties, often compounded by multiple forms of childhood maltreatment. In India, 149,404 POCSO cases were reported in 2021, yet conviction rates remain low due to backlogs, with Uttar Pradesh showing 77.8% unresolved cases and an average disposal time of 509.78 days. Preventive strategies, including school-based education on safe/unsafe touch, parental involvement, and community worker-led campaigns, emphasize trustbuilding and reporting protocols to mitigate risks. Reporting is hindered by systemic insensitivity and coercion, which can undermine testimony credibility.
Addressing CSA requires a multifaceted approach integrating strict POCSO enforcement, awareness programs to break silence and stigma, and support for survivor rehabilitation to ensure child protection and societal healing. Collective responsibility from families, schools, and communities is essential to create safer environments where children can thrive without fear.