Addressing Child Sexual Abuse in Sikkim: A Call for Collective Action

PHUNTSOK LHAMU BHUTIA

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) remains a sensitive but urgent issue across India, and Sikkim is no exception.
Despite its reputation as one of the country’s most peaceful and progressive states, official data reveals that Sikkim has one of the highest rates of crimes against children per capita.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report of 2021 recorded 72.4 cases per one lakh children — the highest among Indian states.

Experts suggest that these numbers may not necessarily indicate a more unsafe environment but could also reflect increasing awareness and improved reporting mechanisms.
However, the persistence of such incidents underscores the need for stronger preventive, educational, and support systems to protect children from harm.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 has been a crucial step in creating a gender-neutral and child-centric legal framework.
It ensures that victims are treated with dignity and their identities remain protected.
Yet, challenges persist in implementation — from procedural delays and lack of awareness to the absence of adequately trained personnel and child-friendly infrastructure within the justice system.
These barriers often lead to delayed justice and underreporting.

Civil society organizations, educational institutions, and families play an equally vital role in prevention and awareness.
Schools can serve as safe spaces where children are taught about personal boundaries, respect, and the concept of “good touch and bad touch.”
Parents and guardians must foster open communication with children and encourage them to speak up without fear or shame.
Regular sensitization programs for teachers, healthcare workers, and police officers can further strengthen the network of child protection in the state.

Law enforcement agencies in Sikkim have made notable progress in handling cases involving children, showing increased sensitivity and responsiveness in recent years.
However, it is essential that investigations remain timely, transparent, and centred around the welfare of the child.
Public trust in the legal process can only be built through consistent and empathetic action.

The role of digital safety has also become increasingly important.
The rise of internet access, while beneficial, has exposed children to new risks of online exploitation.
Awareness about safe internet practices, parental controls, and prompt reporting of suspicious content can help reduce such dangers.

CSA is not merely a legal issue—it is a social responsibility.
To combat it effectively, a multi-dimensional approach involving law enforcement, education, healthcare, and community support is required.
Stricter enforcement of existing laws, faster judicial proceedings, and greater investment in mental health support for victims can make a significant difference.

Every child deserves to grow up free from fear, with dignity, respect, and hope.
Safeguarding that right is not the sole duty of the government or law enforcement—it is a collective responsibility of families, educators, institutions, and society as a whole.
By working together with empathy and awareness, Sikkim can lead by example in ensuring that every child’s safety and innocence are protected.

(Views are personal. Phuntsok Lhamu Bhutia is a B.Ed Trainee, Loyola College of Education, Namchi. Email: phuntsoklhamubhutia@gmail.com)