A troubling situation has unfolded in Kerala, demanding immediate attention, as the state grapples with a disturbing surge in cases of child abuse. According to a recent report released by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Kerala witnessed a staggering 4,582 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the last year alone. These disheartening figures underscore the urgent need for intervention to safeguard the state’s children.
SHOCKING 🚨🚨
Kerala is dealing with a troubling situation that requires immediate attention.🚨🚨
According to the report by the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, last year, the state reported 4,582 POCSO cases. Out of the accused individuals, 601 were… pic.twitter.com/PZRjkwMlK1
— महारथी-മഹാരഥി (@MahaRathii) September 5, 2023
Perpetrators
The annual report for 2022-23 by the Commission paints a grim picture, revealing that out of the 5,002 individuals accused in these cases, 4,643 were male, and 115 were female. Even more concerning is that 908 individuals on the list were identifiable as potential threats to children, with 601 of them being neighbors and 170 being teachers. An additional 801 people were identified as potential suitors.
Victims
Most victims in these cases were girls, primarily falling within the age group of 15 to 18 years. The statistics highlight the pervasive nature of child abuse across various settings, with 1,004 incidents taking place in children’s homes, 133 in schools, 102 in vehicles, 99 in hotels, and 96 in friends’ houses. Shockingly, 60 cases occurred within religious institutions, 29 in hospitals, and 12 in childcare facilities. Notably, out of the 4,642 children who became victims of sexual violence, 55 were aged 0-4, and 367 were aged 5-9, underscoring the vulnerability of even the youngest members of society.
The data reveals a deeply troubling trend in Kerala, where the number of POCSO cases has quadrupled in the decade since the enactment of the POCSO Act in 2012. From a mere 1,002 reported cases in 2013, the figure has surged to an alarming 4,582 in 2022.
This surge in child abuse cases has raised serious questions about the safety and well-being of children in the state. Recent incidents, including the tragic case of Chandini, have highlighted the pressing need for decisive action to protect Kerala’s children.
Adding to the concern, the Kerala Police have released figures indicating that 214 children have lost their lives due to criminal cases over the past seven years, during the tenure of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Moreover, the data shows a disturbing total of 31,364 reported incidents of violence against children from 2016 to May 2023, with 9,604 children being victims of sexual assault during this period.
These shocking statistics cast doubt on the effectiveness of leadership in the state and prompt questions about the government’s responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its youngest citizens. The situation has ignited a call for immediate and comprehensive measures to address this grave concern and protect Kerala’s children from harm.
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