Media Reporting on Child Sexual Abuse

By Bhumika Sahani

Upholding the principles of its role as the fourth pillar of democracy, the media has a responsibility to bring the issue of child sexual abuse into the realm of public debate. It is integral that the issue gets highlighted, is given due attention and recognized by masses as a gruesome offence against children.

Albeit the responsibility bestowed upon the media, it is saddening to see the sensationalisation that the media at large is engaging in instead of sensitive reporting, as is expected of it. Read more

Going Beyond the Doing

Article contributed by Ranjani Seetharaman

I believe that the presence of unconditional love in childhood is what shapes an individual’s future. It is key to the development of a healthy sense of self which includes self-confidence, self-respect and self-worth. I can go as far as to say that it is the right of every child to receive unconditional love. Unconditional love simply refers to having no conditions to be loved, accepted and respected. It is essentially separating the child from what he/she does. Read more

POCSO Act, its Implications and Challenges

-Kushi Kushallapa

The 2007 National Study on Child Abuse by the Ministry of Women and Child Development reported that over 53% Indian
children are victims of some form of sexual abuse or the other, ranging from penetrative sexual assault to various forms of non-contact sexual abuse.

This Study set the ball rolling to have a separate legislation for sexual crimes against children and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was passed in 2012. Read more