Systemic inefficiencies and public distrust lead to underreporting of child sexual abuse in India
Child sexual abuse in India remains severely underreported, with over 90% of cases involving perpetrators from trusted family circles, contrasting with public perception of predatory strangers. Systemic inefficiencies, such as the 89% pendency rate in POCSO courts and low conviction rates (3-30%), erode public trust in the police and judiciary. This distrust discourages reporting, leading families to search for missing children themselves, potentially allowing perpetrators to evade justice. Despite improved data collection, qualitative analyses of acquittals rarely inform policy changes, and survivors face secondary victimization, perpetuating a cycle of unreported and unpunished violence.
Key Points
- Child sexual abuse is significantly underreported in India, with most cases involving perpetrators known to the child.
- High pendency rates (89%) and low conviction rates (3-30%) in POCSO courts undermine public confidence in the justice system.
- Public distrust leads to underreporting and families searching for missing children independently, hindering justice.
- Repeatedly strengthening penalties without addressing systemic issues merely suppresses reporting in many cases.
- Survivors and families often experience secondary victimization from insensitive administrative responses and media.
Exam Facts
- NCRB recorded 69,191 POCSO cases in 2024, involving over 70,000 child victims.
- POCSO trials are required to conclude within a year of cognisance.
- POCSO courts face an 89% pendency rate.
- Conviction rates historically ranged between 3% and 30%.
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