Over 1 billion people faced childhood sexual violence in 2023: Lancet

The recent Lancet study, revealing that over 1 billion people worldwide experienced childhood sexual violence in 2023, is a stark reminder of a pervasive global crisis, with profound implications for India. This staggering statistic transcends mere numbers, pointing to a deep-seated societal malaise that impacts health, development, and human rights on an unprecedented scale. For competitive exam aspirants, understanding this issue requires delving beyond the headline, exploring its roots, consequences, and the policy responses required.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Childhood sexual violence (CSV) has historically been a hidden epidemic, often shrouded in silence, stigma, and societal denial. While awareness has grown over the past few decades, comprehensive global data has often been fragmented. The Lancet study, through its rigorous methodology, brought this issue into sharp focus, providing a current and alarming estimate of its prevalence. The study not only quantified the scale but critically established a link between CSV and a broader spectrum of previously unrecognised health outcomes, including mental health disorders, chronic diseases, substance abuse, and reproductive health issues. Furthermore, it highlighted the interconnectedness of CSV with intimate partner violence (IPV), showing how both contribute to significantly higher levels of health loss and disability across populations. This research underscores that the impact of early trauma is not transient but casts a long shadow over an individual's entire life, manifesting in physical and psychological ailments.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Addressing an issue of this magnitude requires a multi-pronged approach involving numerous stakeholders. The **Government of India**, at both central and state levels, is crucial in formulating and implementing laws, policies, and welfare schemes. This includes ministries like Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, Home Affairs, and Social Justice and Empowerment. The **Judiciary** plays a vital role in ensuring justice for victims, interpreting laws, and setting legal precedents. **Law enforcement agencies** (police) are the first responders, responsible for investigation and prosecution. **Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)** and civil society groups are indispensable in advocacy, victim support services, rehabilitation, and awareness campaigns. **Healthcare professionals** (doctors, psychologists, counsellors) are critical for early identification, treatment, and long-term support. **Educational institutions** have a role in child protection, awareness, and creating safe environments. Finally, **families and communities** are fundamental in fostering protective environments and breaking the cycle of violence.

**Significance for India:**

India, with its vast young population, faces a significant challenge from CSV. While specific national prevalence data matching the Lancet study's methodology may vary, reports from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) consistently show thousands of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012, annually. The true numbers are undoubtedly higher due to underreporting. The social impact is devastating, leading to intergenerational trauma, erosion of trust, and hindering children's development and educational attainment. Economically, the long-term health consequences translate into increased healthcare expenditure, reduced productivity, and a drain on human capital, potentially impacting India's demographic dividend. Politically, the issue demands robust governance, effective implementation of laws, and accountability from state machinery.

**Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions:**

India has evolved its legal framework to protect children. Prior to 2012, sexual offenses against children were primarily covered under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, which lacked a child-centric approach. The landmark **Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act, 2012**, marked a paradigm shift, defining various forms of child sexual abuse, prescribing stringent punishments, and establishing special courts for speedy trials. This was further amended in 2019 to include even harsher penalties. India's Constitution also enshrines child protection: **Article 21** guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, implicitly including the right to live with dignity and safety. **Article 21A** provides for the right to education for children aged 6-14 years, a right often compromised by trauma. **Article 23** prohibits human trafficking and forced labour, which often intertwines with child sexual exploitation. **Article 24** prohibits the employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations. Furthermore, Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly **Article 39(e) and (f)**, mandate the state to ensure that children are not abused and are given opportunities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity. The **Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015**, also plays a crucial role in the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection.

**Future Implications and Broader Themes:**

This Lancet study serves as a critical call to action. Future implications for India include the need for enhanced data collection mechanisms to better understand the national prevalence and specific risk factors. There will be increased pressure for more effective implementation of the POSCO Act, better training for police and judiciary, and more accessible child-friendly legal processes. Comprehensive mental health support and rehabilitation services for survivors will become paramount. Public health strategies must integrate child protection, recognizing the long-term health burden. The issue also connects to broader themes of human rights, gender justice (as girls are disproportionately affected), and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Collaborative efforts between government, civil society, and international organizations are essential to create a safer environment for children and address the profound societal costs of childhood sexual violence.