EXPLORING LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE IMPACT OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN BY: SWATHIKA KADIESWARAN & VIDHYA SRI L
EXPLORING LEGAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE IMPACT
OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN
AUTHORED BY:
SWATHIKA KADIESWARAN & VIDHYA SRI L
ABSTRACT:
“The stopgap of a nation lies in the
youth."
- Nelson Mandela”
The children
of today will shape the India of tomorrow. Universally, children are seen as seeds needing
proper nourishment and care. Tragically, children suffer multifaceted forms of violence from home to their external surroundings, including
sexual harassment, bullying,
cyber threats, exploitation, and trafficking. Every 10 minutes, an adolescent girl somewhere in the world loses her life to violence. Protecting children
from all forms of violence is a fundamental right enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and
various international human rights treaties.
Despite these legal frameworks, the number of child victims has gradually
increased. This research paper
provides a comprehensive understanding of violence against children, exploring
its various forms, underlying causes, and far-reaching consequences. It underscores the pressing need for legal
frameworks, effective child protection systems, awareness-raising, education, and accessible support services
to protect children and provide timely assistance to survivors.
KEYWORDS: Child abuse, violence, exploitation,
vulnerability, Child pornography, special protection.
INTRODUCTION:
Childhood should be a time of
innocence and joy, but for millions of children around the world, it is blemished
by violence. Violence against children incorporates all forms of violence
against people who are under the age of 18. It is a critical global issue with
devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Though
violence poses a threat to all individuals, women and children are vulnerable
to victimization since they have limitations in their rights and access to
adequate protection. The definition of violence according to the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) is, “the
intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against
oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results
in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm,
maldevelopment, or deprivation”.. Violence
against children takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and
neglect, and can occur in various settings, such as homes, schools,
institutions, and online. In spite of taking multiples efforts to address this
issue, it continues to leave lasting scars on the lives of millions of
children. In recent times, technological advancements have facilitated the rise
in number of white-collar crimes i.e., cybercrimes. Among all demographics,
younger populations are active users of Internet, rendering them vulnerable to
becoming victims of such offenses. Cybercrimes confines various forms such as
cyber bullying, child pornography, stalking, and more. The underlining source
for increase in the case of violence against children is underreporting of
cases by victims, fueled by social stigma that cheers offenders to perpetrate
further crimes.
MULTIFACETED SPECTRUM OF
VIOLENCE AND ITS
ASSOCIATED STATISTICS:
PHYSICAL ABUSE:
Physical abuse is the planned application of
violence and threats towards a child with the intention of causing harm. This
might have long term effect on the physical of the children. Physically abusive
acts encompass a spectrum of actions such as beating, kicking, slapping,
assault, biting, pulling hair and so on.
CASE LAWS:
K.A. Abbas vs. State of Uttar Pradesh (2019): The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of a teacher who physically
abused a student, highlighting the right to protection from corporal punishment
in schools.
Ghanshyam Misra vs. The State (1956): The Orissa High Court enhanced the sentence of a school teacher who
raped a 10-year-old girl on school premises, emphasizing the vulnerability of
children in institutional settings
SEXUAL ABUSE:
Sexual abuse is using a child for the
purpose of sexual activities without their consent. It is coercing the child
for personal gratification. This type of violence inflicts lasting physical and
psychological harm on their well-being. Sexual abuse incorporates rape, sexual
harassment, bullying, torture and so on.
CASE LAW:
State of Karnataka vs. Krishnappa alias Annappa
(2009): The Supreme Court set aside the
acquittal of a stepfather accused of sexually assaulting his minor stepdaughter,
emphasizing the importance of considering child testimonies sensitively.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE:
Emotional abuse is commanding and
controlling a child emotionally or psychologically. Emotional abuse does not
include physical violence instead it incorporates verbal threats, intimidation,
insults, criticism and so on. Victims of emotional abuse often experience
enduring psychological scars.
CASE LAW:
Reena Kumari vs. State of NCT of Delhi (2016): The Delhi High Court ruled that neglecting a child’s emotional needs
by leaving them alone at night without proper care constitutes abuse.
CYBER CRIME:
As society progresses towards an
increasingly technologically advanced world, we encounter both benefits and
drawbacks, one such downside is the cyber-crime. Statistics reveals that a
significant portion of cyber-crime victim is children who are below the age of
18. This is because young generations are the active users of internet and
their heightened vulnerability. Cyber-crime is also called as white-collar
crime wherein no physical attacks or violence is noticed. However, it includes
child pornography, cyber bullying, cyber stalking etc…
CAUSES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN:
The causes of violence against children
are complex and multifaceted; the main contributing risk factors are as
follows:
INDIVIDUAL FACTORS:
·
Age and gender: Younger children are often more vulnerable due to their smaller size,
lower physical strength, and limited ability to defend themselves in short,
they are categorized as biologically weak.
·
Socio-economic status: Lower income ultimately causes poverty which imposes
stress on families, leading to increased risk of abuse and neglect.
·
Trauma: Children who have witnessed violence in the home or
community are more likely to experience violence themselves.
FAMILY FACTORS:
·
Poor parenting skills: Some parents may lack the knowledge
or skills to manage challenging behaviors in children, resorting to violence as
a form of discipline.
·
Domestic violence: Children living in homes with domestic violence are
at high risk of experiencing physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
COMMUNITY AND SOCIETAL FACTORS:
·
Harmful social norms: Certain
cultures or communities may have norms that accept or even encourage violence
against children, such as corporal punishment or female genital mutilation.
·
Gender inequality: Discrimination and harmful
practices against girls and women can increase their vulnerability
·
Armed conflict and displacement: Children in conflict zones are
especially vulnerable to violence, including being used as child soldiers or
experiencing sexual violence.
·
Human trafficking: Children are
often targeted for trafficking and forced labor, which can involve physical and
sexual violence.
·
Weak legal systems and enforcement: Lack of effective laws and
enforcement mechanisms can embolden perpetrators and make it difficult for children
to access justice.
CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST
CHILDREN:
The inherent quality of immaturity
and innocence has increased the children’s risk of violence. The violence faced
by children in any form is unacceptable and can have devastating consequences
to children which are listed underneath,
v Injuries:
Violence can lead to immediate physical injuries, ranging from minor bruises to
severe and even life-threatening trauma.
v Chronic health problems:
Studies suggest that exposure to violence in childhood can increase the risk of
developing chronic health problems later in life, such as heart disease,
diabetes, and obesity.
v Drop in academic performance: Children who experience violence often struggle in school
due to difficulty concentrating, emotional problems, and absenteeism.
v Depression, anxiety and low self- esteem: Violence can also lead to depression, anxiety, and
other mental health problems. Children who are exposed to violence often
develop low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness.
v Psychological distress: Children
who experience violence are at increased risk for anxiety, depression,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.
v Victims becoming perpetrators: Children who experience violence are more likely to become perpetrators
of violence themselves, either towards others or themselves, continuing the
cycle of abuse.
v Limited opportunities:
The long-term effects of violence can limit a child’s opportunities in terms of
employment, relationships, overall well-being and development of the child.
v Increase in juvenile crimes: Often
a child’s innocence and immaturity are been misused and they have been guided
to a wrong path by motivating them to indulge in various forms of crime, this
has enabled an increase in the number of crimes committed by juveniles.
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY[1] AND
ITS RELEVANCE IN INDIAN LEGAL SCENERIO:
1. Child pornography refers to
broadcasting and transferring obscene, vulgar clips of children through digital
media. Child pornography causes significant harm to children who are exploited
and victimized in the production of such material. It can lead to severe
psychological and emotional trauma, including feelings of shame, guilt, and
worthlessness. Additionally, it perpetuates the cycle of abuse and can have
long-lasting effects on the victims' mental health, relationships, and overall
well-being. Moreover, it is illegal and contributes to the demand for further
exploitation of children.
2. In India, there is no explicit
definition in any of the laws dealing with child pornography. However, it is
regarded as a serious crime under various laws of the country including the
Constitution. Article 23 of the Constitution which generally prohibits traffic
in human beings and other forms of forced labor, is normally employed in
arresting the criminals against child pornography. The Directive Principles of
State Policy explicitly directs the state to protect the tender age of children
and to provide a healthy environment where children can grow without any kind
of exploitation that affects the dignity of childhood. The Information
Technology Act, 2008 is the only law, which makes it an offence of production,
transmission, and browsing of obscene materials. According to the provisions of
the Act any first time offender is punishable with an imprisonment of three
years and a fine up to three lakh rupees and for a subsequent offence it may
extend to five years of imprisonment and a fine up to five lakh rupees. As the
national context is concerned, the Government of India needs to adopt a uniform
definition of child. The different definitional perspectives of child in
various laws, lead to confusion in with the issues dealing with of children.
The Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 be amended to suitably
define child pornography and empowering the national and state child rights
commission to deal with the issue of child pornography in a strict perspective.
As a party to child rights convention, and optional protocol on prevention of
sexual exploitation of children and other human rights instruments, the
Government needs to compulsorily introduce human rights education in all types
of education coupled with moral and value-based principles.
State of Maharashtra v. Vijay Prakashbarve:[2] In this case,
the accused was charged under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and POCSO
Act, 2012, for sharing child sexual abuse material online. The Bombay High
Court upheld the conviction, highlighting the seriousness of the offence and
the need for strict punishment.
Shalu Nigam v. Union of India:[3] This case, heard by the Delhi High
Court in 2015, addressed the issue of blocking websites hosting child sexual
abuse material. The court directed the government to take necessary measures to
block access to such websites and to enhance cooperation with international
agencies to combat child pornography.
ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES:
Technological advancements make it
difficult for law enforcement to keep up with evolving methods of producing,
distributing, and accessing child pornography.
ü Trauma to Victims: The victims of child pornography
suffer severe psychological and emotional trauma, and addressing their needs
requires specialized support services and rehabilitation programs.
ü Cultural and social norms: The ancient societal taboos may
hinder efforts to raise awareness and educate communities about the dangers of
child pornography.
ü Guilt and humiliation: Victims may feel ashamed or
stigmatized, which can prevent them from coming forward and seeking help in
legal institutions.
ü Online Platforms: Child pornography is often
distributed through online platforms and social media, posing challenges in
monitoring and regulating content due to the sheer volume of data and the speed
at which it spreads.
ü Inadequate Access to support services: Inadequate access to support services, such as
counselling, legal advocacy, and medical care, can further deter children from
reporting abuse, particularly if they feel that there will be no meaningful
assistance or protection available to them. Overall, the decision to report
abuse is complex and influenced by a multitude of factors. It is essential to
create safe and supportive environments where children feel empowered to
disclose their experiences and receive the help and support, they need.
VIOLENCE AGAINST GIRL CHILDREN:
“A daughter is someone to be cherished and protected, not a
burden to be hidden.”
– Desmond Tutu
The population of India is young,
with nearly 37 percent consisting of children below 15, thus two out of every
five persons are below 15 years. Most of
the cases of violence against children are reported only against girl child
because of their vulnerable condition in our society. Though the term ‘Violence
against children’ incorporates the cruelty taking place against both boys and
girls, a bulk of victims are only girls. Children are the future pillars of our
nation and the concern of violence happening against girl child needs immediate
attention. This dates back to ancient times where girls were not given
permission to access education, and were not permitted to move out with a male
dependent. Child marriage was more prevalent at classical times where girls
after attaining adolescence were coerced to marry a man many years with senior.
During their early childhood days, they encounter a wide range of problems from
their husband such as female genital mutilation, early pregnancy and so on. It also
encompasses various other violence such as physical abuse, sexual abuse,
emotional abuse, neglect etc.… The victims of such violence often encounter long
term psychological and bodily consequences which in turn have negative effects
on both educational and social. Female feticide and infanticide are another
significant issue wherein girl children were murdered either in the womb itself
by using prenatal sex detection or after the birth. This is because girls are
considered as burden because of the practice of dowry system and superstitious
belief that the birth of a boy baby extends the lineage provides protection,
safety and security to the family. Downfall of sex ratio also affects the
growth of nation. Though this practice has reduced over a period of time, it is
still common in some parts of society. The Constitution, the Supreme Law of
land contains certain articles ensuring the protection of girl children and
there are various subordinate legislations enacted for the sole purpose of
regulating violence against girl child. In 1974, the Government of India
wholeheartedly embraced a National Policy for Children, affirming the nation’s
children as "paramount assets" deserving of utmost care and
protection. This policy lays down that the State shall provide adequate
services to all children both before and after birth and during the growing
stages for their full physical, mental and social development. Despite having
laws, policies and conventions for decreasing the rate of violence against
girls, the state should be more conscious on this issue.
CASE LAWS:
1) In the landmark case of Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan, [4]a
group of social activists petitioned the Supreme Court following the gang rape
of Bhanwari Devi while performing her duties as a social worker. The Court held
that sexual harassment violates the fundamental rights of women under Articles
14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution. It established guidelines known as the
Vishakha Guidelines, outlining preventive, protective, and remedial measures to
combat sexual harassment in the workplace until legislation was enacted. This
case set a precedent for addressing workplace sexual harassment and promoting a
safe environment for women employees.
2) In Sakshi
v. Union of India (2004),[5]
Sakshi, a women's rights organization, petitioned the Supreme Court seeking
directions to address sexual harassment in educational institutions. The Court
observed the prevalence of sexual harassment and issued guidelines to prevent
and address such incidents, emphasizing the duty of educational institutions to
provide a safe environment for students. It mandated the formation of
complaints committees and the implementation of awareness programs. The Court
held that the right to education encompasses the right to be free from sexual
harassment, underscoring the importance of creating conducive learning
environments for all students, particularly girls.
3) In the case of State of Maharashtra v. Madhukar Narayan
Mardikar (1991),[6]
the accused was charged with raping a minor girl. The incident occurred when
the victim, a 13-year-old girl, was returning home from school. The trial court
convicted the accused, which was later upheld by the Bombay High Court. The
case reached the Supreme Court, where it emphasized the gravity of crimes against
women and children, stressing the need for stringent punishment. The Supreme
Court affirmed the conviction, highlighting the societal impact of such
offenses and the imperative to safeguard the rights and dignity of girl
children from sexual violence.
SIGNIFICANCE OF GOOD PARENTING:
“Parenting is not about being perfect. Its about being
informed, responsive, and aware.”
– Janet Lansbury
Goodparenting is instrumental in preventing violence
against children as it cultivates a nurturing and supportive environment
that prioritizes their safety, well-being, and emotional development. Parents who practice
positive discipline techniques, such as communication, setting boundaries, and
teaching empathy, enable children with the skills to resolve conflicts
peacefully and assert their boundaries effectively. Additionally, strong parent-child relationships built on trust, respect,
and open communication create a safe space for
children to disclose
instances of abuse or violence.
Moreover, good parenting fosters emotional intelligence in children, enabling them
to recognize and manage their emotions appropriately, reducing the likelihood of engaging in aggressive behavior
or becoming victims of violence.
LEGISLATIONS IN INDIA DEALING WITH THE REGULATION OF
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN:
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA, 1950:
The Indian Constitution being the
Supreme Law of Land incorporates certain articles for the protection of
children rights. All other subordinate laws are framed in line with the
provisions of the Constitution.
ARTICLE 14: RIGHT TO EQUALITY:
Article 14 states that all are equal
before law and equal protection of law. Children also have equal rights as the adults’
citizens of the country enjoy. It states that all are equal before the law of
land and provides for equal protection of law irrespective of their gender,
religion, race, sex, caste.
ARTICLE 21A: RIGHT TO FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION:
This article mandates the state to
provide free and compulsory education for all the children who fall under the
age category of 6-14.
ARTICLE 24a: RIGHT AGAINST
EXPLOITATION:
This article states that no children
below the age of 14 shall be employed in hazardous activities and it also
protects children from forced labor.
ARTICLE 39(f): This article states that the younger
generation should be protected from exploitation and violence and that they
should progress in a healthy manner.
ARTICLE 15(3): Clause 3 of Article 15 empowers the State to enact
legislations and provision for women and children. The Constitution feels that
women and children are the vulnerable sections of people in society, it
delegates the authority to state for enacting special provisions for the
upliftment of women and children.
INDIAN PENAL CODE, 1860:
The Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 is
the supreme criminal code in India dealing with criminal activities. It
encompasses provisions and sections for violence against children. They are,
SEC 75: This
section mentions the punishment for cruelty caused to a child. Cruelty is any
act or omission which imposes physical or mental harm to a child. An offender
accused under this section is punishable with imprisonment with the description
of 3 years or upwards. Online grooming: Predators use social media and
messaging apps to build trust and exploit children.
SEC 66A: This section penalizes the act of influencing a minor girl
to have sexual intercourse with another person. The punishment for violating
this section includes imprisonment upto 10 years along with a fine.
SEC 372 & 373: This section states that buying or selling of minor girls for
prostitution and illegal intercourse for immoral purpose is punishable under
section with the imprisonment of 10 years and a fine.
SEC 375: Sec 375 of Indian Penal Code, 1860 gives the definition for
rape. It states that rape is said to have committed when there is a sexual
intercourse with a girl against her will, coercing, misrepresentation or fraud,
or when she is intoxicated, if she is in unsound mind and if she is a minor
i.e., less than 18 years of age.
THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENSES ACT (POCSO),
2012:
The Protection of Children from
Sexual Offense Act (POCSO), 2012 is enacted solely for addressing the issues of
violence against children. One of the notable features of this Act is it doesn’t
make any discrimination on the basis of gender i.e.; it includes both boys and
girls. This legislation provides
definition of various sexual offenses happening against children and
incorporates stringent punishment to offenders.
FEATURES OF THIS ACT:
a)
This Act defines “child” as
individuals under the age of 18, and it is gender neutral
b) It also holds provision for sustaining
the secrecy of the victim’s identities. It states that no media or press should
reveal the name, photos, name of the educational institutions etc. of the
victims unless the court allows for such disclosure.
c) POCSO also embodies a theory which is
called the ‘LAST SEEN THEORY’,
wherein it is presumed that the person who is last seen with the victim would
be the offender of such crime, provided that the time gap is only to a smaller
extent.
d) It incorporates all kinds of sexual
violence such as pornography, penetrative & non penetrative sexual assault
without limiting to sexual harassment
e) This Act mandates and allocates a
police officer to take care of the victim during the investigation process to
avoid re-victimization of the child
f) It mandates for the establishment of
Special Courts for the trial of such offenses
g) This Act provides rigorous punishment
for the offenders of sexual abuse. An offender under the act of sexual assault
on a child under 12 years of age is punishable with the imprisonment for a
minimum of 20 years which may extend to life and an offense of sexual abuse
between the age categories of 12-18 is punishable with the imprisonment of
minimum 10 years which may extend to life.
The Protection of Children from
Sexual Offenses Act (POCSO), 2012 also lays down 12 key principles which are to
be followed by the government, general public, Children welfare organizations
etc…
CASE LAW:
Tukaram & Ors. Vs. State of
Maharashtra (2014): The Bombay High Court convicted a father for raping his 13-year-old
daughter, reiterating that penetration isn’t necessary to prove rape under
POCSO Act.
OTHER LEGISLATIONS:
In addition to these legislations, we
also have several other legislations for the protection of children such as,
I.
Child
Labor (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (CLA): This Act aims to prevent
all kind of child abuse in employment and also restricts the employment of
children in hazardous occupation who fall under the age of 14 years. Children
are prohibited from engaging in such occupations which are listed under Part A
of the Schedule of this Act.
II.
The
Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1987 (ITPA): This legislation
penalizes the trafficking of women and girls for the purpose of sexual
exploitation. While this Act legalizes prostitution, it is still illegal to run
a brothel. This Act provides for fines and punishments for the aforesaid illegal
activities.
III.
Prohibition
of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (POCMA): The aim of this
Act is to prevent young children from child marriage. This Act states that the
legal age of marriage for boys is 21 and for girls are 18. It also provides
penalties and punishments for those who solemnize marriages below the legal age.
IV.
Right of Children to
Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE): The
objective of this Act is to provide free education. It says that it is the duty
of the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children who fall
under the age category of 6-14. According to this Act, right to education was
inserted as a fundamental right and it was removed from the Directive
Principles of State Policy by the 86th Amendment Act (2002).
LACUNAE IN THE INDIAN LEGISLATIONS:
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL OFFENSES ACT, (POCSO);
·
The
implementation of the POCSO Act, 2012 brings significant benefits to victims of
sexual harassment, facilitating justice for those affected. However, it also
harbors certain loopholes and shortcomings which could potentially empower
offenders and that requires attention to elevate this legislation to a
masterpiece
·
Section
3 of POCSO Act provides the definition and essentials of penetrative sexual
assault. This section contains a pronoun ‘He’ which is used for accused. Thus,
it clearly portrays that only a male can be suspected and accused under this
section. One of the notable features of this Act is it is Gender Bias. The
victim under this legislation can be any person irrespective of their gender.
There are many instances of a male being abused but they are rendered helpless
because of this discrimination.
·
Section
11 of this Act provides provisions and punishment for sexual harassment. This
section states ‘sexual intent’ will be a question of fact in the court of law. But
there are criticisms that sexual intention is difficult to prove in the court
of law which might lead to acquisition of the offenders.
·
Section
27(2) of this Legislation states that if the victim is a female child or
adolescent then the medical examination should be done only by a female doctor.
On the other hand, Sec 166A of IPC, 1860 mandates a government medical officer
to examine the victim irrespective of their gender. These provisions raise
questions in the absence of a female doctor.
·
POCSO
fails to deal with issue such as, violence against an adolescent child of
mental instability whose IQ age is below 18, in such instance it is difficult
for the advocates and judges to render justice to the victims.
·
This
legislation is also capable of manipulating and misusing by the so-called
victims. A child below the age of 18 can be influenced by family or friends and
give a false complaint by using this Act for degrading the reputation of the
accused and their family. Thus, provisions should also be made on the aforesaid
issue.
RECOMMENDED SUGGESTIONS:
Ø PROPER EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Education
and awareness plays a pivotal role in combating any form of issue in society.
Thus, there should be adequate education and awareness regarding the impact
encountered by the victims of such violence.
Ø EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELLING AND
SUPPORT SERVICES: Despite having counseling and support services, it
is still not effective. Due to such bureaucratic red tape, the victims and the
families of victims are rendered helpless. Thus, all the counseling and support
services should be supervised by the state to function effectively.
Ø GENDER NEUTRAL LEGISLATION: In spite
of existence of gender-neutral legislations and policies, yet only girls are
given significance when it comes to violence. The term Violence against
children encompasses the violence taking place against both boys and girls.
Ø GOOD PARENTING: Children
suffer from such violence from their home to the external society. Thus, it is
the home where children spend lot of time after schooling. The parents should
create a friendly and harmonious environment with their children which help to
identify the victims encountered by children. Good parenting helps in combating
the complex issue of violence.
CONCLUSION:
Violence
against children is one of the complex issues in the contemporary world.
Children are often targeted as victims since they are the vulnerable group of
people in the society. Younger generation are the future pillars of our nation,
but the concern is they get affected by such violence which has long term ill
effects affecting their education, livelihood etc. Young people become the
victims of such offense due to wide array of factors such as individual,
family, societal factors and so on. Moreover, understanding the long-term
consequences of violence against children is essential for developing effective
prevention and intervention strategies. Despite having number of legislations
and regulatory frameworks, there has been a concerning rise in crime rates
against minor. This is because of the offender who employs various modus
operandi for various crimes which is challenging for the investigation officers
to detect. One of the main sources of violence is underreporting of cases by
the victims largely influenced by the societal perspective. There is a general
view in society that violence against children happens only against girls, but
the reality is boys also become the victims of such violence. Thus, most of the
legislations and policies are framed in such a way that it only addresses the
issue of girls rejecting the needs and experiences of boys in these matters. The
penalty imposed for violent activities occurring against children should be
made more stringent which prevents the offenders from doing further violations.
This research paper concludes that violence happening against children is a
very serious issue which needs immediate attention. There is also an
indispensable need to draft comprehensive gender-neutral legislation with
stringent punishments.
REFERENCES:
1.
Mamta Rao, Law Relating to Women & Children (2nd
ed., 2008)
2.
Bryan J. Grapes, Child Abuse (2001)
3.
P.K. Pandey, Children’s Rights laws,
Policies and Practice (2013)
4.
Dr. Nuzhat Parveen Khan, Child Rights
and the Law (2013)