CHILD ABUSE—AN INVISIBLE CRIME IN INDIA

Abstract

Children have the right to protection from all forms of violence, abuse and maltreatment. They have the right to live in safety and dignity in a protective and nurturing environment, both at home and in the community. But they are horribly mistreated everyday by adults who are meant to love and care for them. Two out of every three children are abused every day according to Ministry of Women and Child Development Report, 2007.Child Abuse is the misuse of power by adults over children that endangers or impairs  a child ‘s physical or emotional health and development. There are three major categories of child abuse—Physical, Emotional and Sexual. Review of related literature revealed that the children who have experienced physical punishment tend to be more aggressive towards parents, siblings, peers and later spouse and are more likely to develop anti-social behaviours. Child abuse is violation of the Right to life with dignity. It is an invisible crime as it tends to occur behind closed doors ant most of the children do not report the matter to anyone out of fear and shame.. If a child is being abused in home, teachers should be supportive of the child and in a position to look for remedies rather than blaming the parents. As the citizen of this country we must all campaign publicly against all forms of violence against children and make Children and their Mother aware of their Rights.