Study of Cases booked under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act in Chittoor

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is an under reported offence in India, which has reached epidemic proportion. It also has various adverse effects on the psychological, physical, behavioural, and interpersonal well-being of the victim. The Protection of Children from Sexual offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 was formulated to effectively address the heinous crimes of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The present study conducted in Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Venkateshwara Medical college, Tirupati, was a critical analysis and interpretation of cases booked under POCSO Act in Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh for a period of 3 years (2015 – 2017). A total of 182 cases were booked under POCSO Act during the period of study. Most of the victims were of 13 – 18 years age group (87.13 %). Majority were Hindus, 165 (90.65%), with home being the most common crime scene 90 (49.45%). Majority of the assailants were neighbours to the victims, 96 (52.74%). In 83 cases (46.11%) the victim/victims family took more than a week time to bring it to the notice of authorities and being sent for medical examination. Number of assailants was one in majority of cases, 177 (97.25%). With the regards to the status of cases booked under POCSO act, 38 (20.87%) are still pending trial in court, while 123 cases (67.58%) have been acquitted by the court. Conviction of the accused has occurred in only 21 cases (11.53%). This study is an attempt to understand the magnitude of CSA at district level in order to be helpful for local authorities in tackling the problem of CSA.