27.11.10
Mumbai Mirror

Child sexual abuse cases on the rise: Study

A study on child sexual abuse conducted in 13 states by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2007 shows that out of the 12,447 children interviewed, more than 53 per cent had faced one or more forms of sexual abuse. The figures were published in a report titled, Child Abuse, 2007.

According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau, from 2,265 cases in 2001, the number has increased to 5,749 in 2008.

Not only that, 50 per cent abusers were persons known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.

Replying to a written question, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Krishna Tirath said, “The government proposes to bring in a new law to protect children against sexual offences of various types.” She added, “The draft Bill regards the best interests and well-being of the child as of paramount importance at every stage of the judicial process.”