A disturbing case from Morigaon District, Assam, has once again brought child sexual abuse into the spotlight. The principal of a school, under the pretext of offering extra tuition at his residence, allegedly sexually abused minor girls. The children only came forward with their accounts after the principal was accused of having an affair, sparking public outcry. Though this is one case, it reveals a deeper issue of child sexual abuse in India—an issue that often remains unreported due to societal stigma, fear, and a lack of awareness.
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Despite the efforts of government agencies, NGOs, and child rights activists to combat child abuse under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, incidents of abuse continue to occur at alarming rates. The reasons persist despite ongoing efforts—fear of shame, lack of knowledge among guardians, and inadequate support systems for children. A more proactive and structured approach to child protection is necessary to address this issue effectively.
The Hidden Epidemic of Child Sexual Abuse
India is grappling with a silent epidemic of child sexual abuse. According to the 2007 National Study on Child Abuse, over 53% of children reported experiencing some form of sexual abuse. More disturbing is the fact that the majority of abusers are known to the victims, with over half of the incidents occurring within trusted relationships.
This prevalence is alarming, yet child sexual abuse remains a taboo subject in Indian society. Conservative family structures, reluctance to discuss sex and sexuality, and the deeply rooted cultural shame prevent many from acknowledging or reporting abuse. Additionally, traditional practices in some regions may unknowingly perpetuate abuse, making the issue even more complex.
In many cases, children are unaware of their rights, and guardians—especially in rural or underprivileged families—lack the necessary awareness and resources to respond to or report such incidents. This ignorance allows abusers to operate with impunity, knowing that victims are likely to stay silent due to fear, shame, or a lack of understanding of what constitutes abuse.
The Role of Schools in Preventing Abuse
One critical space where change can begin is in schools. Schools are not only centers for academic learning but also environments where children should feel safe and supported. Educational institutions must take proactive steps to prevent abuse and create spaces where children can learn about their rights and report any inappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation.
A crucial step in this direction is the implementation of bi-monthly awareness programs focusing on child protection. These programs should cover topics such as the POCSO Act, good touch and bad touch, personal boundaries, and how to report abuse. Teachers and parents must be actively involved in these sessions to ensure children not only understand the importance of their safety but also feel empowered to speak up when something goes wrong.
Additionally, schools should appoint counsellors with psychological training to support children who might have experienced trauma. These counsellors can also help students develop emotional resilience, which can positively impact their academic performance. School counsellors must be trained to identify signs of abuse and know how to approach and support victims effectively.
Moreover, schools should establish child protection committees comprising teachers, local law enforcement, community leaders, student leaders, and guardians. This committee would serve as an essential resource for reporting and addressing any instances of abuse. A complaints box should be made available to ensure children have an anonymous way to report incidents without fear of backlash.
Such initiatives must also be supported by the government, which should ensure schools are equipped with the necessary resources and training to handle cases of abuse effectively. The District Child Protection Unit, the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, and the Child Welfare Committees should play an active role in overseeing children’s safety and responding swiftly to allegations.
Empowering Parents and Guardians
While schools play a critical role in child protection, the responsibility also falls on parents and guardians. Many children, especially in rural areas, live in environments where their parents are unaware of the signs of abuse or do not know how to address such issues. This lack of awareness leaves children vulnerable without the support they need to confront the abuse they may be facing.
Parents must educate their children about body autonomy and personal boundaries from an early age. Conversations about body parts, teaching children the correct names for them, and explaining which parts are private are vital in empowering children to recognise and reject inappropriate behaviour. Additionally, parents must emphasise that their children should never allow anyone to touch their private parts and that such behaviour is unacceptable.
Furthermore, parents should be aware of the National Child Helpline (1098), a 24x7 service offering counselling for children in distress. This helpline can provide immediate assistance and guide parents on how to navigate the process of reporting abuse and seeking justice. By fostering a trusting relationship with their children and using available resources, parents can play an integral role in protecting their children.
Changing Public Attitudes and Strengthening Legal Systems
Beyond education and awareness, a significant societal shift is required to address child sexual abuse. Public awareness campaigns are needed to challenge the stigma surrounding the topic and to promote a culture of zero tolerance for abuse. Communities must be made aware of the legal protections available to children, and individuals must be encouraged to report abuse whenever they encounter it, without fear of social repercussions.
The criminal justice system, too, needs to evolve. While laws such as the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act exist to protect children, there are significant gaps in implementation. Many child sexual abuse cases go unreported because victims and their families fear that they will not be treated sympathetically. Additionally, the lack of sensitivity from law enforcement officers and medical professionals adds to the trauma suffered by victims.
The legal process itself can be another barrier to justice. Trials in child sexual abuse cases are often lengthy and painful, subjecting victims to repeated questioning and emotional strain. While special child courts have been established, these courts are not always enough to alleviate the burden on victims. A more child-centric, trauma-informed approach is necessary to make the legal system more supportive for young survivors.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
In addition, public awareness campaigns, coupled with stronger legal protections, can help break the silence surrounding child sexual abuse and encourage reporting. The collective efforts of society, including the media, which plays a crucial role in shaping public attitudes, will be key in preventing and addressing this crisis. Only through education, awareness, and systemic change can we ensure that every child in India grows up safe, protected, and empowered to pursue their future free from fear.
(The author is a social worker and child rights activist (jaydipphukan7@gmail.com). All views and opinions expressed are the author's own.)
