Child sexual abuse in India: A review

Abstract

The Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012 is the first comprehensive law in India on child sexual abuse which expands the scope and range of forms of sexual offences, making reporting of abuse mandatory and defines guidelines for child friendly police and procedures. Doctors and health care professionals are often the first point of contact with abused children and their families. They play a key role in detecting abuse and providing immediate and longer term care and support to children and their families. Hence, they must have an overview of child sexual abuse – prevention, detection and management of abuse from a legal, medical and mental health angle.