Our Project
The project aims to reduce the prevalence of child sexual abuse, beginning from Amravati District of Maharashtra.
Alarming Findings: 2007 National Study Reveals Shocking Child Sexual Abuse Statistics in India
A large-scale national study conducted in 2007 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), to assess the extent and nature of child abuse in India, uncovered some alarming statistics. More than half (53 %) reported experience of sexual abuse among 12,447 children interviewed. This study reported that 52% are boys and 47% are girls. According to National Crime Record Bureau 2021 data, 53,874 cases were registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act which accounted for 36% of all cases of crime against children. A total of approximately 147 Child Sexual Abuse cases were reported in a day and six cases in an hour. The maximum number of cases under the Act were reported in Uttar Pradesh(13.2%), followed by Maharashtra (11.5%) and Madhya Pradesh (11.2%). These three states together accounted for 30% of all POCSO cases reported in India. In 94.9 % of cases of the POCSO Act (Sections 4 & 6), the offenders were known to the victim. In 8% of cases, offenders were family members, in 48% of cases offenders were family friends/neighbors/ other known persons and in 43% of cases offenders were friends/online friends.
Despite its high prevalence, violence against children is often hidden, unseen or under-reported. It is not widely acknowledged or understood. Child Sexual Abuse occupies a unique space where there is selective denial and acceptance. It is both recognized (happens with ‘others’) and denied (does not happen with my child by my family members) simultaneously. There is a silence around the issue of Child Sexual Abuse stems from the fear of shame, denial and social stigma and the foundational belief in the family being sacred and family honour being supreme. Along with this, the belief that children are the property of their parents and power differentials based on socio-economic condition, caste, class, religion, sexual preferences make children vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Breaking the Silence: Empowering Children in Amravati to Prevent Sexual Abuse and Protect Their Rights
There is consensus in the research literature that most people who experience sexual abuse in childhood do not end up disclosing until adulthood, and when disclosure does occur in childhood, significant delays are common. This is also reinforced in case of incest as the family uses various techniques such as blaming and naturalizing to keep the family honour intact. To add to this, the vocabulary to communicate around sexuality and sexual abuse is non-existent. There is negligent conversation at the institutional and community level. Legal, medical, justice systems are often ineffective or inadequate and there is an ineffective implementation of laws and policies which rather than supporting children and families who follow legal recourse retraumatize them.
Aimed at addressing the above barriers to the development and safety of children, the proposed program seeks to empower young and adolescent children (from 10 to 18 years) with knowledge and skills on their sexual and reproductive health rights – while simultaneously creating a conducive ecosystem that prevents sexual abuse against them. Hence, over the next three years, the project will work in five villages of the Amravati district of Maharashtra in a comprehensive and concentrated manner to
Take Action Now: Help Us Protect Children
from Sexual Abuse
Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children affected by sexual abuse. Your support can provide them with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe and empowered. By donating, you’re helping us create a protective environment and break the silence surrounding this critical issue.
Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step towards a safer future for these children. Join us in this crucial mission to end child sexual abuse. Your donation matters. Act now and be a part of this important cause. Give today, and let’s make a lasting impact together.