Child abuse is a grave violation of a child’s right to safety and protection,
affecting their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Despite legal
frameworks in place, many children in India continue to face abuse,
including physical harm, sexual exploitation, neglect, and emotional
trauma. Addressing child abuse requires not only strict enforcement of
laws but also a collective moral and social responsibility.
As Rabindranath Tagore, India’s renowned poet, once said, “Every child
comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” His
words remind us of the sanctity of childhood and the importance of
nurturing it with love, compassion, and care.
Mother Teresa once said, “Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls
on them makes an impression.” This powerful metaphor highlights the
vulnerability of children and the lasting impact that early experiences—
whether of love and care or of trauma and neglect—have on their
development. Her words remind us that children absorb the influences
around them deeply, and it is our duty to ensure these impressions are
ones of kindness, security, and respect.
Forms of Child Abuse
Child abuse can take various damaging forms:-
• Physical Abuse: Deliberate physical injury or harm inflicted on a
child.
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual exploitation, inappropriate contact, or
exposure.
• Emotional Abuse: Harmful behaviours that damage a child’s
self-worth or emotional health.
• Neglect: Failure to meet basic needs such as food, shelter,
healthcare, and safety.
Legal Framework for Child Protection in India
India has established comprehensive laws to protect children from
abuse and hold perpetrators accountable:
1. Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
2012
The POCSO Act is a crucial law aimed specifically at protecting
children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It defines various
forms of abuse, prescribes strict punishments, and mandates
special courts to ensure child-friendly judicial processes.
2. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
The Juvenile Justice Act protects children in need of care or
those in conflict with the law, emphasizing rehabilitation and
keeping their best interests at the forefront.
3. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment
Act, 2016
This act bans the employment of children under 14 in any
occupation and adolescents (14–18 years) in hazardous work,
protecting them from exploitation in unsafe environments.
4. Right to Education Act, 2009
The Right to Education Act ensures every child between 6 and
14 has access to free and compulsory education, empowering
children and reducing their vulnerability to abuse and
exploitation.
Recognizing the importance of collective action/ Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) in ensuring the safety and well-being of children,
Prime Legal partnered with NGO Florencia to sponsor a marathon for
Judges and advocates and law students from different law colleges as
volunteers aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing resources against
child abuse. This collaboration is not only about legal support but also
about creating a movement for change and empowering communities to
protect children from harm.
As a prominent legal firm, Prime Legal brings a unique perspective and
authority to the fight against child abuse. Beyond sponsorship, Prime
Legal provides legal support by engaging in litigation against child
abuse and guide families, teachers, and caregivers on the legal
frameworks in place, such as the Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences (POCSO) Act, the Juvenile Justice Act, and other relevant
child protection laws. Prime Legal aims to demystify these legal
avenues, making it easier for communities to take action against abuse.
This marathon not only raises funds but also creates a ripple effect in
the community:
• Funds for Child Welfare: The proceeds from the event go towards
programs that directly support children affected by abuse, offering
counselling, shelter, and rehabilitation.
• Community Empowerment: The event empowers attendees with
knowledge on reporting mechanisms like the Childline
1098 helpline, encouraging them to be vigilant and proactive. The
Childline service is a project of the Ministry of Women and Child
Development, Government of India. The Childline India
Foundation (CIF) is the nodal organization that initiates and
monitors the Childline service across India. The Childline service
can help with a variety of issues, including: Missing children,
Abused children, Runaway children, Children who need medical
assistance, Child labor, Child marriage, and Drug abuses. When
a child calls Childline, trained counsellors are available to listen
and support them. The counsellors will help the child talk about
what’s going on and to think about things they could do.
• Building a Safer Society: By engaging the community in open
dialogue, the event fosters a more supportive environment where
children’s rights are respected, and abuse is actively opposed.
Prime Legal’s CSR partnership with Florencia in sponsoring this
marathon exemplifies how the legal and non-profit sectors can join
forces to drive social change. Through this initiative, Prime Legal is
advocating for a safer future for children, one where society is
educated, vigilant, and committed to taking action against child
abuse. Their efforts demonstrate that when businesses, NGOs, and
communities unite for a cause, they can create a lasting, positive
impact on the lives of those who need it most.
By Advocate Ayantika Mondal,
Partner,
Prime Legal.
