Child sexual abuse is the social exploitation and victimization of a child by an adult, adolescent or another child. Compared to adults, children find it much more difficult to disclose abuse due to several reasons. An offender can be a child’s known or total stranger. Statistics from Report of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) suggests that in 80-90% of the cases, the offender is ‘known’ to the victim. Hence, perpetrator can also be a parent, relative, caretaker or anyone charged with their care and guidance. Moreover, a perpetrator is not necessarily an adult. Senior citizens, young people and even minors have been reported as offenders of children.
Further, it’s not always a male who is a sexual offender. It can be anyone with any gender identity who is either involved in the abetment of crime against a child or commits the crime themselves. Similarly, it’s not always a girl child who is the victim of sexual abuse. Children of all genders are at the risk of being sexually abused and they require equal protection as a female child and their outward appearance is not a factor either in the case of an offender or a victim.
Child Safety at Work, as a team of Lawyers, Psychologists & Social Workers, views such matters extremely seriously as they not only lead to illegal acts but also result in long term trauma for the child continuing to their adult life as well.
Therefore, as Child Safety at Work supports several organizations, institutions & schools in their efforts towards a harassment free environment, its finds creation of awareness on POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses) and training of those involved in redressal mechanism a must for a healthy and safe environment for Children.