Crime against Children in India

 

 

A child is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty or between the developmental period of infancy

and puberty] The term may also refer to an unborn human being In English-speaking countries, the legal definition of child generally refers to a minor, in this case as a person younger than the local age of majority (there are exceptions such as, for example, the consume and purchase of alcoholic beverage even after said age of majority regardless of their physical, mental and sexual development as biological adults] Children generally have fewer rights and responsibilities than adults. They are generally classed as unable to make serious decisions.

 

Child may also describe a relationship with a parent (such as sons and daughters of any age) [9] or, metaphorically, an authority figure, or signify group membership in a clan, tribe, or religion; it can also signify being strongly affected by a specific time, place, or circumstance, as in "a child of nature" or "a child of the Sixties."

 

India's crime rate against children shows increasing cases, with 1.68 lakh registered in 2022, primarily Kidnapping (45.7%) and POCSO Act offenses (39.7%), and the rate per lakh children rising to 36.6 in 2022, indicating a serious concern despite some reported declines in specific crime types. Major issues include high rates of sexual abuse (POCSO) and trafficking, with concerns about underreporting and the vast scale of abuse, highlighting ongoing challenges for child safety. 

overall reported crimes in India are increasing (up 7.2% in 2023), driven significantly by cybercrimes, fraud, and traffic offenses, while serious crimes like murder and rape have seen fluctuations but remain a concern, with crimes against women rising, particularly kidnapping and domestic cruelty, though increased awareness and reporting also play a role, according to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data. 

           

1. Primary Categories of Child Abuse

·         Physical Abuse: Intentional bodily harm or injury to a child. Examples include hitting, slapping, shaking, burning, or inappropriate restraint.

·         Sexual Abuse: Coercing or enticing a child into any sexual activity. This includes penetrative acts, non-penetrative touching, exposure to pornographic material, and grooming (often via the internet).

·         Emotional (Psychological) Abuse: Persistent behavior that harms a child’s mental health or self-esteem. Examples include constant criticism, humiliation, rejection, terrorizing, or witnessing domestic violence.

·         Neglect: The persistent failure of a parent or caregiver to meet a child’s basic needs. This covers lack of adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision. 

2. Specific Criminal Exploitation

·         Child Trafficking: The illegal trade of children for the purposes of forced labour, sexual exploitation, or servitude.

·         Child Labor and Slavery: Forced work in hazardous environments, often depriving children of their basic rights to education and health.

·         Kidnapping and Abduction: Taking a child away from their lawful guardians for ransom, illegal adoption, or other criminal motives.

·         Child Marriage: Forcing children into marriage before they reach the legal age, which is widely recognized as a violation of human rights.

·         Forced Begging: Organized criminal rings that exploit children by forcing them to beg on the streets. 

3. Modern and Emerging Crimes

·         Cyberbullying and Online Abuse: Harassment, threats, or humiliation of children through digital platforms.

·         Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): The production, distribution, or possession of images or videos depicting the sexual abuse of children.

·         Recruitment by Armed Groups: The use of children in militant factions or as child soldiers.

·         Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): A traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons

 

 

Based on the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2026 (covering the 2023–2025 reporting period), crime against children in India continues to show significant upward trends in both reporting and volume. 

Statistics and Longitudinal Trends

• Long-term Growth: Evidence indicates a staggering 650% increase in reported crimes against children between 2006 and 2018. In more recent years, total cases rose to 1,77,335 in 2023, a 9.2% increase from the previous year.
• Total Rise since 2005: The data shows a nearly tenfold rise from approximately 18,700 cases in 2005 to over 1.77 lakh cases by 2023. 

State-wise Rankings (Latest Data)

• Highest Crime Volume:
• Madhya Pradesh: Topped the list with 22,393 cases in 2023.
• Maharashtra: Followed closely with 22,390 cases.
• Uttar Pradesh: Reported 18,852 cases.
• Combined Impact: These three states (MP, Maharashtra, and UP) account for over 35% of all reported crimes against children nationwide.
• Lowest Crime Volume: The northeastern states, specifically Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur, consistently report some of the lowest absolute numbers, often fewer than 1,000 cases over a decade. Ladakh reported the lowest number of cases (just 2) in recent year-on-year breakdowns. 

Regional Surges and Drivers

Recent surges in specific states are often attributed to aggressive legal enforcement rather than just a rise in criminal activity: 

• Assam (100% Surge): Cases jumped from an average of 5,100 (2018–2022) to 10,174 in 2023. This surge was primarily driven by a massive crackdown on child marriage, with cases under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act jumping from 150/year to over 5,200.
• Kerala (106% Surge): Total cases doubled from a 2,800 average to 5,900 in 2023. The rise is concentrated in POCSO Act registrations, indicating highly active reporting and the proper classification of sexual offenses under child-specific laws.
• Rajasthan (70% Surge): Witnessed a rise to 10,577 cases due to increased kidnapping reports and a shift toward reclassifying sexual offenses under POCSO rather than the general IPC.

 

 

Causes and Challenges

Causes - Why is there an increasing number of cases in Kerala and all over India?

Legal Framework to curb crime against India

Outline key laws - POCSO (penalties up to life), JJ Act (rehabilitation), and IPC sections (e.g., 302 for murder).

Challenges to control crime against women

Challenges to controlling crime against women stem from deep-rooted societal norms, weak implementation of laws, systemic biases within justice systems, underreporting due to fear and stigma, and evolving forms of violence like cybercrimes, requiring a multi-faceted approach focusing on legal reform, cultural change, and survivor support. Key hurdles include patriarchal beliefs, economic disparities, police insensitivity, slow judicial processes, and lack of comprehensive data, hindering effective prevention and prosecution

 

child helpline

CHILDLINE is a national emergency toll free phone outreach service for the children in need of care and protection operates on the 1098 number and is supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WMCD), Government of India and works in partnership with state Governments.

challenges to control crime against children

 

Controlling crimes against children faces challenges like inadequate implementation of laws, hidden nature of abuse leading to underreporting and poor data, societal norms condoning violence, poverty, lack of resources for support services, perpetrators being other children, and complex factors like substance abuse, mental health issues, and involvement in gangs, all requiring integrated approaches for prevention, better resource allocation, and cultural shifts towards child safety. 

Key Challenges

• Implementation Gap: Laws exist but face hurdles in effective implementation due to insufficient human resources and quality support services.
• Invisibility & Data Gaps: Violence often happens in private, leading to underreporting, limited reliable data, and difficulty identifying vulnerable children.
• ** Challenging Social Norms:** Deep-rooted norms that normalize violence or discourage disclosure hinder prevention and response.
• Vulnerable Populations: Marginalized groups, children with disabilities, or those in care need extra vigilance, but face higher risks.
• Perpetrators Among Children: Bullying and exploitation are sometimes perpetrated by other children, complicating prevention.
• Economic Factors: Poverty, lack of education, and unstable incomes increase risk.
• Substance Abuse: Parental substance use significantly increases the likelihood of child maltreatment.
• Resource Constraints: Insufficient investment in prevention programs, family support, and quality rehabilitation services.
• Lack of Belief & Safe Spaces: Authorities and communities often fail to believe children's disclosures, making safe spaces for reporting crucial but lacking. 

  References

Times of India

google

Wikipedia

National Crimes Record Bureau

www.childlineindia.org.in.

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