Child abuse: Cases double over past 3 years in Kerala

Data published by Kerala Police Department recently painted a grim and sordid picture as it revealed an alarming rate of growth in violence against children, including sexual abuse, in Kerala. 
 

Almost 57% growth was reported in cases registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act between 2013 and 2015. Child abuse is also on the rise. In 2013, as many as 1002 cases of sexual assault were reported while it increased to 1569 in 2015. The data reveals that 219 rape cases were reported in the state until July 2016. 
 

This year, till July, 1156 cases were registered under POSCO. Malappuram district leads the list with highest number of cases of violence against children registered since 2008. 
 

Kidnapping and abduction follow rape with a total 29 cases registered till July 2016. While 1024 cases were registered in 2013. However, the cases of violence against children registered in 2015 was 1406. 
 

Though there is an increase in the number of cases actual convictions in such cases are very low. The report also revealed that only 53 accused were convicted from November 2012 to 2015. 
 

Though incidents of rape and abduction are on the rise, cases of buying and selling of children for prostitution, foeticide and infanticide have decreased. No event of purchase or sale of children for prostitution has been reported since 2008.  

• rape
• violence against children
• POSCO
• sexual abuse
• Kerala police