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Protection of children from sexual offences – Law & Practice
Published: Nov 5th, 2019 11:19 amThe children arevulnerable by nature.
They can be easilyabused, sexually. Such offences can shatter them and would leave
a permanent scar in their attitude, towards the society and such incidents become
big hindrances in their natural growth and resultantly deterrent for society
growth and weakens the nation.The uninterrupted growth of a child is the
responsibility of parents, schools, society and the Government. All these stakeholders
plays the dominant roles in upbringing a of child and in-turn to build a strong
society and nation.
The Constitution of India mandates responsibility
on Government to take all necessary steps for ‘child safety and security’
including to frame and enact special laws for children safety and security. The
relevant law is “Protection of Children form Sexual Offences Act,2012” (‘POCSO
Act’) along with other
laws like Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
and Commission for Protection of Child Rights Acts,2005. All these laws mandate the child
rights, safety and security.
POCSO Act insists stringent punishment
to the perpetrators of sexual abuse. It also mandates compliances against all
the stakeholders at different levels. Many of the people around us are not
aware of the repercussions of sexual abuse on children. The studies show that the
children who had faced any type of sexual abuse in their childhood, they grow
up with more aggressive behavior. Why such situation to arrive, so better to
prevent such offences.
It needs awareness. The awareness
required for all stakeholders i.e. Parents, Schools, Teachers, Media, Police, Doctors
or anyone working/dealing with children. Therefore, the awareness programmes/ trainings
to be conducted in every educational institute for children as well as parents,
staff, teachers and other stake holders. The
major reason from the sexual abuse against children is said to be the
non-awareness of the seriousness of offences. Thus, it is imperative that every
stakeholder must to know the provisions of the Act to understand and discharge
their duties towards the children. Such duties are not optional.
The said awareness can be implemented through systematic and regular training sessions for parents,teachers, NGOs, police etc.
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