Child Sexual Abuse in India under POCSO Act, 2012: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

When an adult or a more mature child or adolescent engages in sexual behaviour with a youngster, this is considered sexual abuse. On the other hand, the POCSO Act defines a "child" as anyone under the age of 18. Abuse of a kid can be defined as any action or inaction that causes injury to, or places a child at danger of harm from, another person. Abuse of children can take many forms, including sexual, emotional, and physical. Failure to meet a child's basic requirements constitutes neglect, another kind of maltreatment. Children who have been abused typically experience more severe emotional harm than physical harm. Depression is a common symptom of child maltreatment. It's possible he or she will retreat, entertain suicidal thoughts, or snap. A child who has reached adulthood may experiment with drugs or alcohol, attempt to run away, or abuse others. Abuse of children is a terrible issue. Call the authorities or your state's child welfare department if you have any reason to believe a child is being mistreated or neglected. The prevention of child sexual abuse is the focus of this paper, as are recent amendments to the POCSO Act and related provisions.