Child Sexual Abuse and the Legal Framework in India for Dealing with It

In India child sexual abuse (CSA) has become a serious problem, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, forms a main legal framework for addressing CSA. According to the POCSO Act any person aged below 18 years is considered as a child and the act provides stringent punishment for offenders. The Indian Penal Code and Juvenile Justice Act, are the other laws that provide protection against sexual harassment for children. However, despite the existence of these laws, their effective implementation for the prevention of CSA remains a challenge. Factors such as lack of awareness, social stigma, and inadequate resources continue to impede efforts to address CSA effectively. Continued advocacy, awareness-raising, and capacity building are necessary to address CSA effectively in India.