Child sexual abuse cases in Odisha jump 1,700% in 10 years

BHUBANESWAR: From just 87 in 2009 to 1,648 in 2019, cases of child sexual abuse in Odisha have seen a staggering 1,794% rise in the last one decade, according to the nationwide data shared by the Union minister of women and child development Smriti Irani in the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The cases included offences related to rape and other crimes registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012.
This massive spurt has sparked serious concerns about the unsafe conditions for the minors in the state.
Experts attributed the rise in the sexual assaults on children to the sick mindset of perpetrators, inadequate vigilance by parents and lack of police action in many cases.
However, Tanuja Biswal, a social activist, said, “Blaming the police alone for the rise in the child sexual assaults will not help matters. Only a well-educated society can protect its children. Parents should also keep a watch on the movement and activities of their wards. They should teach them the difference between right and wrong touch, appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.”
She added that since the accused were found to be neighbours and acquaintances of the victims in many cases, the family members of the children should be more cautious.
The police explained that the increasing number of child abuse cases does not only mean that the particular crime has gone up. “Earlier, the parents of such children would be reluctant to report the sexual assault to the police. But they are no longer hesitant to do so,” a senior police officer said.
Lawyers said though sexual assault is difficult to prevent unlike other crimes, fighting it is the collective responsibility of the family members, teachers, the police and the judiciary. “The role of a family and teachers is to educate the children about preventive and safety measures. The families should immediately report the cases of sexual assault to the police. The cops should promptly register the case, arrest the accused and gather solid evidence to ensure conviction. Exemplary punishment will work as a deterrent. Any negligence by the police will encourage the rapists,” Sidharth Das, a senior lawyer said.
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