POCSO ACT : Let the children know about Good Touch and Bad Touch
The increasing number of cases of physical abuse of young children is a matter of concern for the society. The Government of India has taken strict steps in this regard.According to a survey report, every 15 minutes a child is sexually abused, which is very embarrassing.Therefore, it is important for people living in the community to be aware of the POCSO Act. ("Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act-2012").
It was a good move by the central government to change the law.The act now states that anyone who physically abuses a child as young as 12 will be sentenced to death.Earlier, the convict was sentenced to life imprisonment or seven years.The law covers any form of sexual exploitation of children under the age of 18.If we talk about the total population of India, then about 37% is children and on the other hand if we talk about the world then 20% is children.
The central government continues to crack down on crimes against children but it is the responsibility of society and most parents to teach their children the difference between right and wrong. Talk to them about things we are reluctant to talk about.
Provide information on good touch and bad touch. They should be told that if they do not like someone's movement, they should protest loudly. So that they can avoid being exploited.It is important to tell children about the Good Touch and the Bad Touch.Children should be given this information by parents and teachers. Whenever you tell children about bad touch, openly tell them about the private parts. Explain to them which parts of the body only parents can touch.If someone else touches that place, it is wrong.
In 2019, the Supreme Court had directed the Union government to set up special POCSO courts in every district of the country, where more than 100 P0CSo cases are pending.The funds for these courts will be provided by the Central Government. The government will set up this court in 60 days. It is to be mentioned that through this court the cases of sexual abuse of children are tried to be resolved as soon as possible.
POCSO courts are special types of courts, where only cases registered under the POCSO Act are covered. Only ADJ level judges are appointed in this court.The case is being heard under the POCSO Act, which is designed to criminalize sexual abuse of children under the age of 18.Recently, a case came to light in Uttar Pradesh where in a rape and murder case, the victim got justice in just 140 days.In Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh, a man convicted of raping and then killing a girl was sentenced to death. The case was settled in just 140 days.
The POCSO Act was introduced in 2012 to protect girls from sexual offenses in the country.It was implemented across the country from November 14, 2012. The law experts at the time said that it was a historic law.Section 5 sub-clause (k) and Section 9(k) of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 lay down that whoever taking advantage of a child’s mental or physical disability, commits 'penetrative sexual assault' or 'sexual assault' on the child, commits 'aggravated penetrative sexual assault' or 'aggravated sexual assault' respectively. Section 6 of the POCSO Act lays down that whoever commits aggravated penetrative sexual assault shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term.
Rule 4 of the POCSO Rules, 2020 lays down a detailed procedure regarding care and protection, including counseling and therapy, of the victim of child sex abuse. Section-6 of the POCSO Rules, 2020 also has provision regarding providing of Medical aid and care to the victim of child sex abuse. Provision of Special Relief has also been prescribed in the POCSO Rules, 2020 for contingencies such as food, clothes, transport and other essential need.
Ankur Tangri (journalist and writer)
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