The Child Abuse - A Reality

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Child abuse scenario. 3. Defining child abuse. 4. Child abuse in India. 5. Policies and legislations for child rights. 6. Conclusion. Appendices.

"India is home to almost 19 percent of the world\'s children. More than on third of the country\'s population, around 440 million, is below 18 years. According to one assumption 40 percent of these children are in need of care and protection, which indicates the extent of the problem. In a country like India with its multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, the problems of socially marginalized and economically backward groups are immense. Within such groups the most vulnerable section is always the children. The challenge is to reach out to the most vulnerable and socially excluded child of this country and create an environment wherein, not only is every child protected, but s/he also has access to opportunities and education for her/his all round growth and development is indeed daunting. Independent India has taken large strides in addressing issues like child education, health and development. However, child protection has remained largely unaddressed. There is now a realization that if issues of child abuse and neglect like female foeticide and infanticide, girl child discrimination, child marriage, trafficking of children and so on are not addressed, it will affect the overall progress of the country." (jacket)