Data show rise in child sexual assault cases

In the second half of 2011, the number of cases registered was seven and in 2012 it rose to 33. In 2013, the number of cases handled by Child Line was 180 against a steep rise in numbers with 241 in the first 10 months of 2014 alone. “When we analyse the nature of assault, we know that it’s the protectors who turn abusers. The abuse was mostly committed by stepfathers and distant relatives.

These children will be rehabilitated in shelter homes supported by the Government as a rescue measure, as it should be safer for them to be outside their homes than inside,” said Godwin Manuel, Child Line Centre coordinator.

Physical abuse against children falls under three categories, sexual abuse, corporal punishment and emotional abuse. In case of corporal punishment, many of the cases involved a drunk father, a stepfather, or a stepmother, said Child Line.

One reason to believe that abuse is on the rise is because most of the cases are being reported. The implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 mandates that such incidents should be reported and any attempt to conceal an incident is punishable. However, sexual abuse of children not only pertained to girls, but also boys who were victims of homosexual acts, said Godwin.

Child Line Kollam, is observing a week-long programme called Child Line se dosthi', to promote the awareness that it’s the duty of society to protect children. Child Line has completed over three years of its operation in Kollam and has rescued over 1,433 children.