Wednesday, Nov 05, 2025 22:30 [IST]
Last Update: Tuesday, Nov 04, 2025 16:51 [IST]
The issue of child sexual abuse (CSA) continues to
challenge societies across India, and the state of Sikkim is no exception.
Despite being known for its peace, literacy, and close-knit communities, Sikkim
has consistently recorded one of the highest rates of crimes against children
relative to its population. According to the National Crime Records Bureau
(NCRB,
2021), the state reported 72.4 cases per one lakh
children—the highest among all Indian states.
While these numbers may appear alarming,
researchers and child protection experts note that an increase in reported
cases may also reflect growing awareness and improved implementation of the
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This
legislation, designed to provide a gender-neutral, child-friendly legal
framework, has encouraged greater confidence in victims and families to seek
justice. However, the persistence of such cases underscores the urgent need for
comprehensive prevention, timely legal processes, and stronger psychosocial
support systems.
Sikkim’s social fabric—marked by close community
ties—presents both strengths and challenges. While the state’s small size
enables faster communication and mobilisation, it can also lead to hesitation
in reporting abuse due to fear of stigma or social repercussions. In several
cases, families may prefer silence over confrontation, especially when the
accused is known to them.
The judicial system, despite being guided by the
POCSO framework, faces procedural delays related to evidence collection,
limited specialised personnel, and the need for more childfriendly court
environments. These constraints can prolong proceedings, adding to the
emotional strain of survivors and their families.
Schools remain a critical setting for building
awareness and prevention. Incorporating ageappropriate safety education into
the curriculum helps children recognise unsafe situations and learn to seek
help responsibly. Equally important is equipping teachers and parents with the
knowledge to identify behavioural changes or early warning signs of distress
among children.
Beyond classroom instruction, teachers can serve as
first responders by creating safe spaces where students feel heard and
supported. Regular workshops and counselling sessions can reinforce children’s
trust in institutions designed to protect them.
The rise of internet access has created new frontiers
of risk for children. Online grooming, exposure to explicit content, and
cyberbullying are becoming increasingly common.
Strengthening digital literacy for both children
and adults can help mitigate these dangers. Parents, teachers, and community
leaders must stay informed about online safety measures, privacy settings, and
the importance of open communication regarding internet use.
As a researcher and trainee in education, it is
crucial to view the growing number of POCSO cases not only as a law-and-order
issue but as a social indicator—one that demands data-driven understanding and
preventive policy. The rise in case numbers may signify increased trust in
institutions and awareness among families rather than an absolute rise in
incidents.
Local-level research can help identify root causes
such as social stigma, gender norms, digital exposure, and gaps in awareness.
Culturally sensitive, evidence-based interventions can then be designed to
address them.
Addressing child sexual abuse requires a
multi-dimensional approach that combines legal frameworks, education, mental
health support, and community vigilance. The government, civil society,
educators, and families must collaborate to ensure every child grows up in an
environment of safety and dignity.
Ultimately, child protection is not just a policy
goal—it is a measure of collective conscience. The progress of any society
depends not only on the number of schools built or laws passed, but on how
securely its children sleep at night.
Email: phuntsoklhamubhutia@gmail.com
