Physical, Sexual Abuse Victims At Times Harassed By Police, Reports Dnyan Devi Childline
Pune, 28 March 2021: City-based NGO Dnyan Devi Childline has reported that police have been harassing the victims of sexual and physical abuse under the pretext of various legal formalities. The organization has noticed an increase in cases of abuse against children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although police officials help many victims by creating a child-friendly environment, at times, the victims are harassed by them. This results in the families of the children withdrawing the cases against the accused.
Dnyan Devi Childline is run under the State Women and Child Welfare Department to help minors who have been abused.
On March 23, the organization completed 20 years. It held a program for the same. During which, it disclosed various types of child abuse cases that took place from March 2020 to March 2021.
Number of abuse cases:
1. Sexual abuse: 29 cases
2. Mental and physical abuse: 134
3. Child labour: 54
4. Child beggars: 64
5. Child marriages: 51
6. Suicidal tendencies: 08
The organization also reported various cases of child marriages, child beggars, and institutional exploitation of the children. The accused in these cases are booked under various laws. However, many times no action is seen taken against the accused.
Highlights of the report:
• Rise in sexual abuse.
• Family member is the repetitive suspect.
• Rise in child marriages; 75% of them stopped due to Childline’s intervention.
• Schools denying education as parents failed to pay the fee.
• Addiction among children like increased screen time, porn, etc.
