WCD Ministry to propose enhanced punishment for sexual assault on male children

•  The Law Ministry has cleared the proposal to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, for enhancing punishment in cases of sexual assault against young boys.
• The ministry seeks to amend section 3 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, under which a child marriage is only voidable at the option of the contracting parties.
• The move is being seen to bring in a gender-neutral law while dealing with cases of sexual assaults.

About POSCO Act:

• t has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. It provides protection to all children from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography.
• This Act is monitored and implemented by National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR).
• This Act includes males, females and transgenders as well.
• It gives the formal definition of a child i.e. any person below the age of 18 years.
• The reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and trial of offences should be done in a child friendly manner. The trial of cases should be done in camera.
• Recording the statement of the child at his/her residence or at a place of his/her choice, preferably by a woman police officer not below the rank of sub inspector.
• No child should be detained in the police station in the night for any reason.
• Translators should be provided to them to overcome the language barrier. A special educator or any person familiar with the manner of communication of the child should be provided if the child is disabled.

Analysis:

• Child sexual abuse is gender neutral. Boys who are sexually abused as children spend a lifetime of silence because of the stigma and shame attached to male survivors speaking out. It is a serious problem and needs to be addressed," she had
• In 2007, the ministry had sampled 12,447 children in families, schools, at work and living on the street.
• It had found that more than half had faced sexual abuse, and 53 per cent of victims were boys.

By: Vishal