Constitutional Provisions safeguarding Children 

Child Abuse in India 

Child abuse is a serious issue in India, with various forms of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse being reported. Here are some credible sources that highlight the prevalence of child abuse in India: 

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data: According to the NCRB's "Crime in India" report for 2019, a total of 105,934 cases of crimes against children were reported in India, including 41,762 cases of sexual offenses. The report also noted that 94.2% of the offenders were known to the victims. 

Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) study: In 2007, the MWCD conducted a study on child abuse in India, which found that 53% of the children surveyed reported having experienced one or more forms of sexual abuse. The study also noted that most of the abuse took place in the child's home, neighborhood, or school. 

Save the Children's "Stolen Childhood" report: In 2020, Save the Children released a report that ranked India 116th out of 176 countries in terms of the extent of child abuse. The report estimated that 15.7 million children in India were subjected to physical abuse, 13.5 million to emotional abuse, and 1.7 million to sexual abuse. 

National Survey on Child Abuse: In 2007, the Ministry of Women and Child Development conducted a national survey on child abuse, which found that 53.2% of children in India reported having experienced one or more forms of sexual abuse, including sexual assault and harassment. 

Childline India Foundation data: Childline India Foundation, a national NGO that provides support and services to children in distress, reported receiving over 3.5 million calls in 2020, including 45,000 calls related to child abuse. The organization noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had led to an increase in cases of child abuse, particularly domestic violence and online exploitation. 

These sources highlight the extent and severity of child abuse in India, and the urgent need for stronger legal and policy measures to prevent and address this issue. 

Impacts of Child Abuse  

Child abuse can have a range of social, physical, and mental impacts on children, depending on the type and severity of the abuse. Here are some of the most common impacts: 

1. Social impacts: 

• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships with others 
• Isolation and withdrawal from social situations 
• Increased risk of substance abuse, delinquency, and criminal behavior 
• Difficulty trusting others, particularly adults and authority figures 
• Poor academic performance and school attendance 

2. Physical impacts: 

• Physical injuries, such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones 
• Delayed physical development 
• Chronic health conditions, such as headaches and stomach pain 
• Increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, later in life 
• Heightened risk of self-harm, suicide attempts, and substance abuse 

3. Mental impacts:

• Anxiety and depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Difficulty regulating emotions and mood swings 
• Low self-esteem and self-worth 
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions 
• Behavioral problems, such as aggression, anger, and impulsivity 

The impacts of child abuse can be long-lasting and can have a significant impact on a child's development and well-being. It is important to provide children who have experienced abuse with appropriate support and treatment to help them recover and heal. 

Government Initiatives  

These government initiatives highlight the importance of protecting children from abuse and ensuring their well-being and development. However, more needs to be done to address the issue of child abuse in India and provide appropriate support and services to children who have experienced abuse.