INTRODUCTION:
Child abuse is a dark and distressing reality that continues to afflict civilizations all over the world, across geographical, cultural, and social lines. This widespread problem involves a wide range of harmful behaviours and negligent activities that cause physical, emotional, or sexual trauma to children, leaving lasting scars on their life. Child abuse is a heinous violation of children’s rights that has far-reaching implications, affecting not only the victims’ immediate well-being but also their long-term physical and psychological health.
CHILD ABUSE:
According to World Health Organization (WHO) Child maltreatment is the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age. It includes all types of physical and/or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power
Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual assault, and neglect are the types of child abuse.
Physical abuse is defined as the intentional use of force to injure or hurt a child, whereas emotional abuse is defined as repeated criticism, humiliation, or rejection that harms a kid’s self-esteem and emotional stability. Non-consensual sexual behaviors are imposed on a youngster, leaving them scarred and vulnerable.
Neglect happens when parents or caregivers fail to address a child’s fundamental requirements, hence impeding their physical and cognitive development. Sexual abuse is a heinous crime that involves non-consensual sexual activities imposed on a child. It includes a wide range of actions, from inappropriate touching to rape.
Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s sense of safety and security, leaving them emotionally scarred and vulnerable to various mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of sexual abuse often struggle with intimacy and have difficulty establishing healthy sexual relationships in adulthood. Child abuse is not confined to any particular socioeconomic, cultural, or geographical group; it affects children from all walks of life. Often, child abuse occurs in families where there is a cycle of abuse, with parents who were once victims themselves perpetuating the same harmful behaviors onto their children. Breaking this cycle requires comprehensive efforts from society, including education, awareness campaigns, and strong legal measures to protect children and hold perpetrators accountable.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
Child abuse prevention requires a holistic strategy that includes increasing awareness about the indicators of abuse, assisting at-risk families, and ensuring that victims have access to proper counseling and treatment. Laws requiring mandatory reporting and strict law enforcement can serve as deterrents, ensuring that those who injure children suffer legal penalties. Furthermore, providing counseling and therapy services to both victims and perpetrators can aid in addressing the fundamental reasons of abusive behaviors and promoting recovery.
In addition, schools play an important role in preventing child abuse by teaching children about their rights, personal limits, and safe touches. Teachers and other school personnel should be educated to spot indicators of abuse and to help impacted children. Making a safe
CONCLUSION :
Finally, tackling the issue of child abuse necessitates a collaborative effort from society as a whole. We can create a safer environment for children to develop and thrive by increasing awareness, assisting at-risk families, enforcing strict legal measures, and providing counseling services. It is critical to acknowledge that every kid deserves to be loved, cared for, and protected, and that by working together, we can stop the cycle of abuse and secure a better future for future generations.
Author:- V V SAI RAVI TEJA, BB.A,LL.B, Department of Law, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Green fields, Vaddeswaram, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh,
