Westernization (Sociology)

WESTERNISATION
FINAL DRAFT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF COURSE TITLED

SOCIOLOGY OF DEVELOPMENT FOR COMPLETION OF B.A.LL.B. (HONS.) IN
ACADEMIC YEAR 2019-20.
Submitted to - Submitted by –
Dr. Sangeet Kumar Vinita Kumari
Faculty of Sociology of Develpment Roll no. - 1982
3rd semester, B.A.LLB. (Hons.)
19th August, 2019
Chanakya National Law University

Nyaya Nagar, Mithapur, Patna (Bihar)
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DECLARATION
I, Vinita Kumari, hereby declare that the work reported in B.A. LL.B (Hons.)
project report titled “WESTERNISATION” submitted at Chanakya National Law
University, Patna is an authentic record of my work carried out under the
supervision of Dr. Sangeet Kumar. I have not submitted this work from
elsewhere and I am fully responsible for the contents of my project report.
VINITA KUMARI
ROLL NO. – 1982
B.A. LLB. (Hons.)
3rd Semester
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The researcher takes this opportunity to express her profound gratitude and deep
regards to her guide DR. SANGEET KUMAR, for his exemplary guidance,
monitoring and constant encouragement throughout the course of this project. The
blessing, help and guidance given by him time to time shall carry the researcher a
long way in the journey of life on which the researcher is about to embark.
The success and final outcome of this project required a lot of guidance and
assistance from many people and I am extremely privileged to have got this all
along the completion of this project. Last, but not the least, I am thankful to all the
members of my family, friends and teachers without whose assistance and
encouragements I could not have completed my thesis.
VINITA KUMARI
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TABLE OF CONTENT
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 5
 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES .............................................................................................................. 5
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS............................................................................................................... 5
 HYPOTHESIS .................................................................................................................................. 6
 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS ........................................................................................................... 6
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................................... 7
2. CHILD ABUSE: CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS ................................................................................... 8
3. CHILD ABUSE: CAUSAL ANALYSIS ........................................................................................... 11
4. TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE ............................................................................................................... 15
A. PHYSICAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN ............................................................................................ 15
I. Physical Abuse Of Children In Families..................................................................................... 15
II. Physical Abuse In Schools .......................................................................................................... 16
III. Physical Abuse Of Children In Institutions ............................................................................ 17
IV. Physical Abuse Of Children At Work ..................................................................................... 17
V. Physical Abuse Of Street Children ............................................................................................. 18
B. SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN ............................................................................................... 19
C. EMOTIONAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND GIRL CHILD NEGLECT ................................... 21
5. LAWS & POLICIES FOR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN ............................................................. 23
A. CONSTITUTION OF INDIA ......................................................................................................... 23
B. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND DECLARATIONS .................................................. 24
C. NATIONAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATIONS ADDRESSING CHILD RIGHTS .................... 25
I. National policies ......................................................................................................................... 25
II. National legislations.................................................................................................................... 26
6. FIELD WORK AND DATA ANALYSIS .......................................................................................... 30
7. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS ............................................................................................. 43
BIBLIOGRAPHY ....................................................................................................................................... 46
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1. INTRODUCTION
 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The researcher tends to emphasize on the study of –
1. To analyse the origin and characteristics of westernization.
2. To analyse the process of westernization and also the impact of
westernization on Indian society.
3. To critically examine the pros and cons of westernization in Indian society
and culture.
 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the socio-cultural changes occurred due to the introduction of
westernization in Indian society?
2. What are the changes have been taken place in the Indian society and culture
due to the western contact through the British rule?
3. What are the main features of westernization?
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 HYPOTHESIS
The researcher presumes that-
1. British rule produced radical and lasting changes in the Indian society and
culture.
2. The changes that have taken place in the Indian society and culture are due
to western contact through the British rule over 150 years.
3. Westernization implies an active concern for the welfare of all human beings
irrespective of caste, economic position, religion, age and sex.
 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS
The researcher will confine herself to the city of Patna. The number of people
chosen randomly will be five due to lack of time. The interview will be of children
and their parents of different background and profession. The interview questions
have been limited to a number of five questions.
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 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The researcher will make use of doctrinal as well as non-doctrinal research in order
to collect qualitative and quantitative data to complete the project. The doctrinal
research includes the use of literary sources while interview of people,
questionnaires and observation will form the part of non-doctrinal research.
The methods of data collection will include:
Primary sources – Data would be collected through interviews, questionnaires,
observation, case study, law commission reports, constitutional provisions,
statutory provisions, case laws, judgments by different courts.
Secondary sources – Data will be collected through library study and Internet
search (books, journals articles, etc.).
Tools of data collection will include - Interview schedule, observation guide,
questionnaire, camera, voice recorder, stationery items.
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2. CHILD ABUSE: CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS
Child sexual abuse is a dark reality that routinely inflicts our daily lives but in a majority of cases
it goes unnoticed and unreported on account of the innocence of the victim, stigma attached to
the act, callousness and insensitivity of the investigating and the law enforcement agencies, etc.
Merely enacting legislation will not be enough unless this is followed by strict enforcement of
the law with accountability defined.1
Also, parents, teachers and others in the community have a vital role to protect children from
sexual exploitation and abuse. Children are the country's greatest human resource and a measure
of the country's social progress lies in the wellbeing of its children: that they are healthy,
educated, safe, and happy and have access to life opportunities.2
Children are the greatest gift to humanity and their sexual abuse is one of the most heinous
crimes imaginable. It is an appalling violation of their trust and an ugly breach of our
commitment to protect the innocent. Reliable estimates are hard to come by since this is a
secretive form of abuse, often causing victims to suffer in dark and claustrophobic silence.
Child abuse is the physical or psychological maltreatment of a child, can be differentiated into
four major categories, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect and worst of all; the sexual
abuse. Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a kind of physical or mental violation of a child with sexual
intent, usually by a person who is in a position of trust or power vis-à-vis the child. India is the
second largest child population in the world, 42% of India’s total population is below eighteen
years. In a shocking revelation, a Government commissioned survey has found that more than
53% of Indian children are subjected to sexual abuse / assault. Majority of these cases were
perpetrated by someone known to the child or in a position of trust and responsibility, Not
surprisingly, most children did not report the abuse to anyone.3
There is not a single law aimed at safeguarding children and protecting them against sexual
abuse & assault, which is a serious lacuna against this background and is needed urgently. This
paper will focus on child sexual abuse, the laws, legal loopholes, and The Protection of Children
1
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse/child
(2/3/2019, 8;44 pm)
2
World Health Organization (1999): Report of the Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention; Geneva,
http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/neglect/en/ (2/3/2019, 9:01 pm)
3
https://pcain.org/education-outreach/reasons/ (2/3/2019, 9:09 pm)
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against Sexual Offences Bill, 2011.
Child abuse is shrouded in secrecy and there is a conspiracy of silence around the entire subject.
In fact there is a well entrenched belief that there is no child abuse in India and certainly there is
no sexual abuse in the country. Further, certain kinds of traditional practices that are accepted
across the country, knowingly or un-knowingly amount to child abuse. Existing socio-economic
conditions also render some children vulnerable and more at risk to abuse, exploitation and
neglect. It is about time that we recognize this and take remedial measures. Lack of empirical
evidence and qualitative information on the dimensions of child abuse and neglect makes it
difficult to address the issue in a comprehensive manner.4
India is home to almost 19 percent of the world's children. More than one third of the country's
population, around 440 million, is below 18 years. According to one assumption 40 percent of
these children are in need of care and protection, which indicates the extent of the problem. In a
country like India with its multicultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, the
problems of socially marginalized and economically backward groups are immense. Within such
groups the most vulnerable section is always the children. For the Ministry of Women and Child
Development the challenge is to reach out to the most vulnerable and socially excluded child of
this country and create an environment wherein, not only is every child protected, but s/he also
has access to opportunities and education for her/his all round growth and development.
Independent India has taken large strides in addressing issues like child education, health and
development. However, child protection has remained largely unaddressed. There is now a
realization that if issues of child abuse and neglect like female foeticide and infanticide, girl child
discrimination, child marriage, trafficking of children and so on are not addressed, it will affect
the overall progress of the country.5
Traditionally in India, the responsibility of care and protection of children has been with families
and communities. A strong knit patriarchal family that is meant to look after its children well has
seldom had the realization that children are individuals with their own rights. While the
Constitution of India guarantees many fundamental rights to the children, the approach to ensure
the fulfillment of these rights was more needs based rather than rights based. The transition to
the rights based approach in the Government and civil society is still evolving.
4
Sen, S & Nair P. M. (2005): Trafficking in Women and Children in India; Orient Longman Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi (2/3/2019, 9:19 pm)
5
Ibid.
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Prevention of child abuse and neglect is still an uncharted field in Asia. The largest population of
children in the world live in South Asia and majority of these children lack access to proper
health care, nutrition and education. This reflects the socio-economic reality of the developing
countries of the Asian region. The main factors that contribute to the magnitude of the problem
of child abuse are poverty, illiteracy, caste system and landlessness, lack of economic
opportunities, rural-urban migration, population growth, political instability and weak
implementation of legal provisions.6
Mostly, the approaches for prevention and methods of treatment of child abuse do not cover the
entire gamut of abuse. Lack of reliable data on the incidence of child abuse and of knowledge of
methods of prevention and treatment has been recognized and is being addressed by sovereign
governments, national and international organizations e.g., UNICEF, Save the Children, Plan
International, ISPCAN, etc.
The National Policy for Children, 1974, declared children to be a 'supreme national asset'. It
pledged measures to secure and safeguard all their needs, declaring that this could be done by
making wise use of available national resources. Unfortunately, ten successive Five Year Plans
have not allocated adequate resources to meet the needs of children. An exercise on child
budgeting carried out by the Ministry of Women and Child Development revealed that total
expenditure on children in 2005-2006 in health, education, development and protection together
amounted to a mere 3.86%, rising to 4.91% in 2006-07. However, the share of resources for
child protection was abysmally low at 0.034% in 2005-06 and remained the same in 2006-07.
Available resources have also not been utilized effectively for achieving outcomes for children.
As a result, the status and condition of children have remained far from secure.7
6
https://www.livestrong.com/article/229260-causes-effects-of-child-abuse/ (2/3/2019, 9:55 pm)
7
Save the Children and Tulir (2006): Abuse among Child Domestic Workers- A Research Study in West
Bengal, and Save the Children (2005): Child Domestic Work: A Violation of Human Rights- Assessment of Situation
in Delhi City
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3. CHILD ABUSE: CAUSAL ANALYSIS
Child abuse is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes.8 No single factor can be identified
as to why some adults behave violently toward children. The World Health Organization (WHO)
and the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) identify
multiple factors at the level of the individual, their relationships, their local community, and their
society at large, that combine to influence the occurrence of child maltreatment. At the individual
level, such factors include age, sex, and personal history, while at the level of society, factors
contributing to child maltreatment include cultural norms encouraging harsh physical
punishment of children, economic inequality, and the lack of social safety nets. WHO and
ISPCAN state that understanding the complex interplay of various risk factors is vital for dealing
with the problem of child maltreatment.9
The American psychoanalyst Elisabeth Young-Bruehl maintains that harm to children is justified
and made acceptable by widely held beliefs in children's inherent subservience to adults,
resulting in a largely unacknowledged prejudice against children she terms childism. She
contends that such prejudice, while not the immediate cause of child maltreatment, must be
investigated in order to understand the motivations behind a given act of abuse, as well as to shed
light on societal failures to support children's needs and development in general. 10 Founding
editor of the International Journal of Children's Rights, Michael Freeman, also argues that the
ultimate causes of child abuse lie in prejudice against children, especially the view that human
rights do not apply equally to adults and children. He writes, "the roots of child abuse lie not in
parental psycho-pathology or in socio-environmental stress (though their influences cannot be
discounted) but in a sick culture which denigrates and depersonalizes, which reduces children to
property, to sexual objects so that they become the legitimate victims of both adult violence and
lust".11
Parents who physically abuse their spouses are more likely than others to physically abuse their
8
Fontana VJ (October 1984). "The maltreatment syndrome of children". Pediatric Annals. 13 (10): 736–44.
9
World Health Organization and International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (2006). "1. The
nature and consequences of child maltreatment" (PDF). Preventing child maltreatment: a guide to taking action
and generating evidence. Geneva, Switzerland. ISBN 978-9241594363.
10
Young-Bruehl, Elisabeth (2012). Childism: Confronting Prejudice Against Children. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale
University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-17311-6.
11
Freeman, Michael (1997). "Beyond conventions—towards empowerment". The Moral Status of Children: Essays
on the Rights of the Child. Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. p. 76. ISBN 978-9041103772.
11 | P a g e
children. However, it is impossible to know whether marital strife is a cause of child abuse, or if
both the marital strife and the abuse are caused by tendencies in the abuser. 12 Sometimes,
parents set expectations for their child that are clearly beyond the child's capability. When
parents' expectations are far beyond what is appropriate to the child (e.g., preschool children who
are expected to be totally responsible for self-care or provision of nurturance to parents) the
resulting frustration caused by the child's non-compliance is believed to function as a
contributory if not necessary cause of child abuse.13
Most acts of physical violence against children are undertaken with the intent to punish.14 In the
United States, interviews with parents reveal that as many as two thirds of documented instances
of physical abuse begin as acts of corporal punishment meant to correct a child's behavior, while
a large-scale Canadian study found that three quarters of substantiated cases of physical abuse of
children have occurred within the context of physical punishment.15 Other studies have shown
that children and infants who are spanked by parents are several times more likely to be severely
assaulted by their parents or suffer an injury requiring medical attention. Studies indicate that
such abusive treatment often involves parents attributing conflict to their child's willfulness or
rejection, as well as "coercive family dynamics and conditioned emotional responses".16 Factors
involved in the escalation of ordinary physical punishment by parents into confirmed child abuse
may be the punishing parent's inability to control their anger or judge their own strength, and the
parent being unaware of the child's physical vulnerabilities.17
Some professionals argue that cultural norms that sanction physical punishment are one of the
causes of child abuse, and have undertaken campaigns to redefine such norms.18
Children resulting from unintended pregnancies are more likely to be abused or neglected.[118] In
12
Ross, S. (1996). "Risk of physical abuse to children of spouse abusing parents". Child Abuse & Neglect. 20 (7):
589–598.
13
Twentyman CT, Plotkin RC (1982). "Unrealistic expectations of parents who maltreat their children: an
educational deficit that pertains to child development". J Clin Psychol. 38 (3): 497–503.
14
Durrant, Joan (March 2008). "Physical Punishment, Culture, and Rights: Current Issues for Professionals". Journal
of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. 29 (1): 55–66.
15
Gershoff, Elizabeth T. (Spring 2010). "More Harm Than Good: A Summary of Scientific Research on the Intended
and Unintended Effects of Corporal Punishment on Children". Law & Contemporary Problems. 73 (2): 31–56.
16
Durrant, Joan; Ensom, Ron (4 September 2012). "Physical punishment of children: lessons from 20 years of
research". Canadian Medical Association Journal. 184 (12): 1373–1377.
17
"Corporal Punishment" Archived 31 October 2010 at the Wayback Machine International Encyclopedia of the
Social Sciences. 2008.
18
Child Welfare Research Review, Volume 1. Columbia University Press. pp. 49–50. ISBN 978-0-231-08075-0.
Retrieved 25 May 2012.
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addition, unintended pregnancies are more likely than intended pregnancies to be associated with
abusive relationships, and there is an increased risk of physical violence during pregnancy. They
also result in poorer maternal mental health, and lower mother-child relationship quality.19
There is some limited evidence that children with moderate or severe disabilities are more likely
to be victims of abuse than non-disabled children. A study on child abuse sought to determine:
the forms of child abuse perpetrated on children with disabilities; the extent of child abuse; and
the causes of child abuse of children with disabilities. A questionnaire on child abuse was
adapted and used to collect data in this study. Participants comprised a sample of 31 pupils with
disabilities (15 children with vision impairment and 16 children with hearing impairment)
selected from special schools in Botswana. The study found that the majority of participants
were involved in doing domestic chores. They were also sexually, physically and emotionally
abused by their teachers. This study showed that children with disabilities were vulnerable to
child abuse in their schools.20
Substance abuse can be a major contributing factor to child abuse. One U.S. study found that
parents with documented substance abuse, most commonly alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, were
much more likely to mistreat their children, and were also much more likely to reject court-
ordered services and treatments. Another study found that over two-thirds of cases of child
maltreatment involved parents with substance abuse problems. This study specifically found
relationships between alcohol and physical abuse, and between cocaine and sexual abuse. 21 Also
parental stress caused by substance increases the likelihood of the minor exhibiting internalizing
and externalizing behaviors. Although the abuse victim does not always realize the abuse is
wrong, the internal confusion can lead to chaos. Inner anger turns to outer frustration. Once aged
17/18, drink and drugs are used to numb the hurt feelings, nightmares and daytime flashbacks.
Acquisitive crimes to pay for the chemicals are inevitable if the victim is unable to find
employment.22
Unemployment and financial difficulties are associated with increased rates of child abuse. In
19
Hathaway J.E.; Mucci L.A.; Silverman J.G.; et al. (2000). "Health status and health care use of Massachusetts
women reporting partner abuse". Am J Prev Med. 19 (4): 302–307.
20
Shumba, A.; Abosi, O.C. (2011). "The Nature, Extent and Causes of Abuse of Children with Disabilities in Schools
in Botswana". International Journal of Disability, Development & Education. 58 (4): 373–388.
21
Famularo R, Kinscherff R, Fenton T (1992). "Parental substance abuse and the nature of child maltreatment".
Child Abuse & Neglect. 16 (4): 475–83.
22
Famularo R, Kinscherff R, Fenton T (1992). "Parental substance abuse and the nature of child maltreatment".
Child Abuse & Neglect. 16 (4): 475–83.
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2009 CBS News reported that child abuse in the United States had increased during
the economic recession. It gave the example of a father who had never been the primary care-
taker of the children. Now that the father was in that role, the children began to come in with
injuries.23
Parental mental health has also been seen as a factor towards child maltreatment. According to a
recent Children’s HealthWatch study, mother's positive symptoms of depression display a
greater rate of food insecurity, poor health care for their children, and greater number of
hospitalizations.24
23
https://www.livestrong.com/article/229260-causes-effects-of-child-abuse/ (2/3/2019, 10:15 pm)
24
Hébert, Martine; Lavoie, Francine; Parent, Nathalie (1 June 2002). "An Assessment of Outcomes Following
Parents' Participation in a Child Abuse Prevention Program". Violence and Victims. 17 (3): 355–372.
14 | P a g e
4. TYPES OF CHILD ABUSE
The Indian society, like most societies across the world, is patriarchal in structure where the
chain of command is definite and inviolable. In such power structures parents, both fathers and
mothers, consider their children as their property and assume a freedom to treat them as they
like. Thus, not only do parents and teachers adopt harsh methods of disciplining children, there is
also little opposition to this harshness. The underlying belief is that physical punishment
encourages discipline in children and is for their betterment in the long-run. There is enough
scientific proof to the contrary and evidence suggests that sometimes it is parent's inability to
raise their children, and their frustrations find a manifestation in the form of beating them or
causing other physical harm.25
A. PHYSICAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN
I. Physical Abuse Of Children In Families

Physical abuse of children in families takes place when parents or other family members
physically injure or inflict serious physical pain on the child. This includes hitting with hands or
fists, hitting with objects (wooden, plastic or metallic objects), burning, shaking infants, stabbing
and so on. Such hitting, beating, burning etc. is not often perceived as physical abuse and takes
place on the pretext of disciplinary practices that begin with spanking or occasional hitting, and
transgress into extreme forms causing permanent physical damage to the child.
Parents/caregivers and people in positions of trust and responsibility who cause serious physical
damage to their own child or to children in their care, go against the legal, social, and moral
standards of society. Despite this, children are abused in all environments including within
families.26
Children are in no position to protect themselves against the abuses inflicted on them by their
family members because of their vulnerability, dependence and their small size. In the absence of
appropriate coping mechanisms the child is unable to deal with the injury, humiliation and anger
that the abuse leads to. They often run away from homes and land in more exploitative situations,
25
https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/ (2/3/2019, 10:26 pm)
26
https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-victims-abuse/child-abuse
(2/3/2019, 10:33 pm)
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creating further problems for themselves.27
II. Physical Abuse In Schools

Physical abuse in schools, also referred to as 'Corporal punishment', is the deliberate infliction of
pain intended to change a person's behavior or to punish him/her. The debate about whether or
not to use corporal punishment to discipline and teach a child is an old one. Countries like
Singapore still use physical methods of discipline but across the globe there is a realization that
the line between punishment and abuse is rather thin and blurred and that there are other more
judicious and effective ways to enforce discipline than beatings. In India this debate is raging
across schools and there is an attempt to raise awareness about the adverse effects on children of
beatings in schools.28
Table: State-wise percentage of children reporting physical abuse from different schools.29
Source : National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India(2005)
Amongst public schools covered in the study, Goa reported the highest incidence (78.7%)
followed by Rajasthan (45.9%). Assam with 0.4% followed by West Bengal with 0.9% reported
lowest incidence in this category. The incidence of corporal punishment reported from the
Municipal/Zila Parishad Schools was highest in Maharashtra at 47.6% followed by Gujarat at
41.5%. The lowest incidence in this category was reported from Mizoram (0.2%) followed by
Assam (0.9%). Amongst the schools run by NGOs in different States, Uttar Pradesh with 49.1%
followed by Kerala with 41.6% reported highest incidence, whereas the lowest was reported
27
Ibid.
28
Human Rights Watch, Street Children, http://hrw.org/children/street.htm (2/3/2019, 10:40 pm)
29
As per the NHRC Report on Trafficking in Women and Children in India published in 2005, out of the respondent,
25.9% of women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation were from Andhra Pradesh
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from Madhya Pradesh at 2.1% followed by Gujarat at 3.2%. Other schools including schools run
by charitable societies and religious bodies, etc. also reported incidences of corporal punishment
ranging from 13.2% in Assam to 0.9% in Uttar Pradesh.30
III. Physical Abuse Of Children In Institutions

In India, the traditional approach towards care of children in difficult circumstances has been
institutionalization. This practice started with the realization of the fact that there were a large
number of children without parental care, vulnerable and in need of care and protection. State
interventions resulted in setting up of state run institutions to provide food, shelter, clothing and
education to children who were not living in the family environment. These institutions were
visualized as comprehensive child care units to cater to the needs of children in difficult
circumstances. However, the standards of care in these institutions have always been a cause of
concern. There is enough evidence to establish that institutionalization is not in the best interest
of children and incidences of child abuse and neglect within these institutions are common. In
fact, such incidents have been reported by the media from time to time.31
Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2000, there are two streams of
children that come under the institutional care: (a) children in need of care and protection who go
into children's homes and shelter homes; (b) juveniles in conflict with law who go into
observation homes and special homes. The philosophy behind running these two different sets of
homes is different. In the case of children in need of care and protection, the homes are not
correctional centres and neither are they meant to keep children in confinement; whereas in case
of children in conflict with the law, although the home is not a jail, there is an element of
confinement and these homes are meant to run as correctional institutions. The aim is to reform
the child so that he/she becomes a responsible citizen of the nation. Thus, it is significant that the
highest percentage of physical abuse was reported from special homes and observation homes,
which together came to 70.21%.32
IV. Physical Abuse Of Children At Work

Under the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act 1986, engagement of children below
the age of 14 years in hazardous occupations has been declared illegal. However, there is debate
30
Ibid.
31
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/ (2/3/2019, 10:51 pm)
32
https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/ (2/3/2019, 10:55 pm)
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whether children below the age of 18 should be employed at all and a large section of people feel
that children who do not go to school and are employed in some way are in potentially hazardous
situations. Even in those occupations where the law allows children to be employed, the
conditions under which these children work and the hours they are made to work are exploitative
and often inhuman.33
Amongst the total number of working children, 57.81% were children working in occupations
(shop sales assistant, construction worker, artisan, auto repairing, lock, carpet and agarbatti
making, embroidery and zari, etc.), 61.28% were boys and 38.72% were girls. Out of those
children working in other occupations, 51.41% were from the age group of 15-18 years followed
by 25.60% in the age group of 5-12 years and 22.99% in the age group of 13-
14 years. Out of the total children working in other occupations, 46.40% reported physical abuse
by employers. Among these 75.19% were boys and 24.81% girls. Further age-wise break up
showed that 23.26% of these children were from the age group of 5-12 years, 27.91% in the age
group of 13-14 years and 48.84% in the age group of 15-18 years.
V. Physical Abuse Of Street Children

The term 'street children' refers to children for whom the street more than their family has
become their real home. It includes children who might not necessarily be homeless or without
families, but who live in situations where there is no protection, supervision, or direction from
responsible adults.34
According to the study, several factors contribute to this phenomenon: police perceptions of
street children, widespread corruption and a culture of police violence, the inadequacy and non-
implementation of legal safeguards, and the level of impunity that law enforcement officials
enjoy. The police generally view street children as vagrants and criminals. While it is true that
street children are sometimes involved in petty thefts, drug-trafficking, prostitution and other
criminal activities, the police tend to assume that whenever a crime is committed on the street,
street children are either involved themselves or are aware of who the culprit is. Their proximity
to a crime is considered reason enough to detain them. This abuse violates both Indian domestic
law and international human rights standards35.
33
Save the Children and Tulir (2006): Abuse among Child Domestic Workers- A Research Study in West Bengal
34
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/abuse/child-abuse-and-neglect.htm/ (2/3/2019, 11:56 pm)
35
https://preventchildabuse.org/ (3/3/2019, 9:15 am)
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B. SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN
As defined by the World Health Organisation, child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in
sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to,
or that violates the laws or social taboos of society. Child sexual abuse is evidenced by this
activity between a child and an adult or another child who by age or development is in a
relationship of responsibility, trust or power, the activity being intended to gratify or satisfy the
needs of the other person.36
However, for the purpose of this study, sexual abuse is defined as severe forms of sexual abuse
and other forms of sexual abuse. Severe forms of sexual abuse include:
 Assault, including rape and sodomy
 Touching or Fondling a child
 Exhibitionism- Forcing a child to exhibit his/her private body parts
 Photographing a child in nude
 Forcible kissing
 Sexual advances towards a child during travel
 Sexual advances towards a child during marriage situations
 Exhibitionism- exhibiting before a child
 Exposing a child to pornographic materials.
The WHO estimates that 150 million girls and 73 million boys under 18 have experienced forced
sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence involving physical contact, though this is
certainly an underestimate. Much of this sexual violence is inflicted by family members or other
people residing in or visiting a child's family home- people normally trusted by children and
often responsible for their care. A review of epidemiological surveys from 21 countries, mainly
high- and middle- income countries, found that at least 7% of females (ranging up to 36%) and
3% of males (ranging up to 29%) reported sexual victimization during their childhood.
According to these studies, between 14% and 56% of the sexual abuse of girls, and up to 25% of
the sexual abuse of boys, was perpetrated by relatives or step parents. In many places, adults
were outspoken about the risk of sexual violence their children faced at school or at play in the
community, but rarely did adults speak of children's risk of sexual abuse within the home and
36
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/sexual-abuse (3/3/2019, 9:21 am)
19 | P a g e
family context. The shame, secrecy and denial associated with familial sexual violence against
children foster a pervasive culture of silence, where children cannot speak about sexual violence
in the home, and where adults do not know what to do or say if they suspect someone they know
is sexually abusing a child.37
The significant finding was that contrary to the general perception, the overall percentage of
boys was much higher than that of girls. In fact 9 out of 13 States reported higher percentage of
sexual abuse among boys as compared to girls, with states like Delhi reporting a figure of
65.64%. It would be interesting to see if this trend of higher percentage of boys being sexually
abused continues when seen separately in severe and other forms of sexual abuse.
Among different evidence groups, highest percentage of children who faced sexual abuse were
those at work(61.61%).38
37
https://www.apa.org/topics/sexual-abuse (3/3/2019, 9:30 am)
38
25.9% of women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation were from Andhra Pradesh (3/3/2019,
9:33 am)
38
Ibid.
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C. EMOTIONAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND GIRL CHILD NEGLECT
Emotional and psychological maltreatment of children is the most complex type of abuse -
invisible and difficult to define. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined
emotional abuse as:
"Emotional abuse includes the failure to provide a developmentally appropriate, supportive
environment, including the availability of a primary attachment figure, so that the child can
develop a stable and full range of emotional and social competencies commensurate with her or
his personal potentials and in the context of the society in which the child dwells. There may also
be acts towards the child that cause or have a high probability of causing harm to the child's
health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development. These acts must be reasonably
within the control of the parent or person in a relationship of responsibility, trust or power. Acts
include restriction of movement, patterns of belittling, denigrating, scapegoating, threatening,
scaring, discriminating, ridiculing or other non-physical forms of hostile or rejecting
treatment".39
The recent UN Secretary General's Study on Violence against Children has also highlighted the
difficulties in defining emotional abuse. The Study says "Standard definitions are lacking, and
little is known about the global extent of this form of violence against children except that it
frequently accompanies other forms of abuse. For example, a strong coexistence between
psychological and physical violence against children in violent households has been
established".40
As quoted in the UN Study on Violence against Children, psychological forms of punishment are
common across regions. A study across five countries conducted by the World Studies of Abuse
in the Family Environment (World SAFE) project indicated that shouting or screaming at
children was a punishment practiced by parents in all five countries,for example, in the
Philippines no mother was reported as cursing her child, but 48% threatened abandonment; in
Egypt 51% cursed the child, but only 10% threatened abandonment.41
Humiliation of a child refers to the degradation of the self esteem of a child by parents, care-
39
https://www.verywellmind.com/identify-and-cope-with-emotional-abuse-4156673 (3/3/2019, 10: 16 am)
39
Ibid.
40
Human Rights Watch, Street Children, http://hrw.org/children/street.htm (3/3/2019, 10: 22 am)
40
Ibid.
41
http://www.compassionpower.com/emotional-abuse/
21 | P a g e
givers or any other persons, often in the presence of others. Instances of humiliation include
treating harshly, shouting, belittling, name calling and using abusive language while addressing
children. Comparison as parents and other caregivers often compare one sibling with the other or
one child with the other in terms of their physical appearance and other characteristics, thus
affecting the social, emotional, and intellectual development of a child.42
Table : State-wise percentage of children facing emotional abuse. 43

The state-wise percentage of children facing one or more forms of emotional abuse revealed that
48.37% of the child respondents faced one or more forms of emotional abuse, i.e., either
humiliation or comparison. The states where children reported high percentage of emotional
abuse were Assam (71.3%), Delhi (62.01%), Madhya Pradesh (60.22%), Bihar (53.81%) and
Maharashtra (50.85%). Even among the states reporting lower rates of emotional abuse e.g.,
Rajasthan (32.36%), Mizoram (33.23%) and Goa (33.66%), it is noteworthy that every third
child felt either humiliated or was negatively compared with other children.
42
25.9% of women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation were from Andhra Pradesh(3/3/2019,
10: 15 am)
42
Ibid.
43
International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (2006): World Perspectives on Child Abuse, Sixth
Edition, http://www.ispcan.org (3/3/2019, 10: 22 am)
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5. LAWS & POLICIES FOR PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
A. CONSTITUTION OF INDIA
The Constitution of India recognizes the vulnerable position of children and their right to
protection. Following the doctrine of protective discrimination, it guarantees in Article 15 special
attention to children through necessary and special laws and policies that safeguard their rights.
The right to equality, protection of life and personal liberty and the right against exploitation are
enshrined in Articles 14, 15, 15(3), 19(1) (a), 21, 21(A), 23, 24, 39(e) 39(f) and reiterate India's
commitment to the protection, safety, security and well-being of all its people, including
children.44
Article 14: The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection
of the laws within the territory of India;
Article 15: The State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion, race,
caste, sex, place of birth or any of them;
Article 15 (3): Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision
for women and children;
Article 19(1) (a): All citizens shall have the right (a) to freedom of speech and expression;
Article 21: Protection of life and personal liberty-No person shall be deprived of his life or
personal liberty except according to procedure established by law;
Article 21A: Free and compulsory education for all children of the age of 6 to 14 years;
Article 23: Prohibition of traffic in human beings and forced labour-(1) Traffic in human beings
and beggars and other similar forms of forced labour are prohibited and any contravention of this
provision shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law;
Article 24: Prohibition of employment of children in factories, etc. -No child below the age of
fourteen years shall be employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other
hazardous employment;
Article 39: The state shall, in particular, direct its policy towards securing:
(e) that the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are
not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter vocations unsuited to
their age or strength;
44
https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/ (3/3/2019, 10:55 am)
23 | P a g e
(f) that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in
conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against
exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.
B. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND DECLARATIONS

India is signatory to a number of international instruments and declarations pertaining to the
rights of children to protection, security and dignity. It acceded to the United Nations Convention
on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) in 1992, reaffirming its earlier acceptance of the 1959 UN
Declaration on the Rights of the Child, and is fully committed to implementation of all
provisions of the UN CRC. In 2005, the Government of India accepted the two Optional
Protocols to the UN CRC, addressing the involvement of children in armed conflict and the sale
of children, child prostitution and child pornography. India is strengthening its national policy
and measures to protect children from these dangerous forms of violence and exploitation.
India is also a signatory to the International Conventions on Civil and Political Rights, and on
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights which apply to the human rights of children as much as
adults. Three important International Instruments for the protection of Child Rights that India is
signatory to, are:45
 Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) adopted by the UN General Assembly in
1989, is thewidely accepted UN instrument ratified by most of the developed as well as
developing countries, including India. The Convention prescribes standards to be adhered
to by all State parties in securing the best interest of the child and outlines the
fundamental rights of children, including the right to be protected from economic
exploitation and harmful work, from all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and from
physical or mental violence, as well as ensuring that children will not be separated from
their families against their will.
 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women
(CEDAW) is also applicable to girls under 18 years of age. Article 16.2 of the
Convention lays special emphasis on the prevention of child marriages and states that the
betrothal and marriage of a child shall have no legal effect and that legislative action shall
be taken by States to specify a minimum age for marriage.
45
http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/child-welfare.aspx (3/3/2019, 11:22 am)
24 | P a g e
 SAARC Convention on Prevention and Combating Trafficking in Women and
Children for Prostitution emphasizes that the evil of trafficking in women and children
for the purpose of prostitution is incompatible with the dignity and honour of human
beings and is a violation of basic human rights of women and children.
C. NATIONAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATIONS ADDRESSING CHILD

RIGHTS
The Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of the Indian Constitution provide the
framework for child rights. Several laws and national policies have been framed to implement
the commitment to child rights.46
I. National policies
The major policies and legislations formulated in the country to ensure child rights and
improvement in their status include:
 National Policy for Children, 1974
 National Policy on Education, 1986
 National Policy on Child Labour, 1987
 National Nutrition Policy, 1993
 Report of the Committee on Prostitution, Child Prostitutes and Children of Prostitutes
and Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of
Women and Children, 1998
 National Health Policy, 2002
 National Charter for Children, 2004
 National Plan of Action for Children, 2005
Of these, two major policies are discussed below:
(i) National Charter for Children, 2004
Underlying the National Charter for Children 2004, is the intent to secure for every child the
right to a healthy and happy childhood, to address the root causes that negate the healthy growth
and development of children, and to awaken the conscience of the community in the wider social
context to protect children from all forms of abuse, while strengthening the family, society and
the nation. This Charter has the following sections on child protection:
46
https://www.children.org/child-protection-policy (3/3/2019, 11:30 am)
25 | P a g e
a) Survival, life and liberty;
b) Protection from economic exploitation and all forms of abuse;
c) Protection of the girl child;
d) Care, protection, welfare of children of marginalised and disadvantaged communities;
e) Ensuring child-friendly procedures.
(ii) National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), 2005

The National Plan of Action for Children was formulated by the then Department of Women and
Child Development (now MWCD) in 2005. The Plan is being monitored by the Prime Minister's
Office. The Action Plan aims at ensuring all rights to children up to the age of 18 years. It
affirms the government's commitment towards ensuring all measures for the survival, growth,
development and protection of all children. It also aims at creating an enabling environment to
ensure protection of child rights. States are being encouraged to formulate State Plans of Action
for Children in line with NPAC. The National Plan has identified several key priority areas that
include children's right to survival, development, protection and participation besides monitoring
and review of policies and programmes. The NPAC also stresses the need for budgetary
allocations to achieve child protection goals.
II. National legislations

National legislations for protection of child rights in the country are:
 Guardian and Wards Act, 1890
 Factories Act ,1954
 Hindu Adoption and Maintenance Act, 1956
 Probation of Offenders Act, 1958
 Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959
 Orphanages and Other Charitable Homes (Supervision and Control) Act, 1960
 Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
 Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1986
 Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act,1986
 Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1987
 Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1994
26 | P a g e
 Persons with Disabilities (Equal Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 2000
 Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000
 Commission for Protection of the Rights of the Child Act, 2005
 Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006
Some of the important legislations are discussed below. Under each Act relevant sections have
been enumerated:
(i) The Indian Penal Code
a) Foeticide (Sections 315 and 316)
b) Infanticide (Section 315)
c) Abetment of Suicide: Abetment to commit suicide of minor (Section 305)
d) Exposure and Abandonment: Crime against children by parents or others to expose or to leave
them with the intention of abandonment (Section 317)
e) Kidnapping and Abduction:
 Kidnapping for extortion (Section 360)
 Kidnapping from lawful guardianship (Section 361)
 Kidnapping for ransom (Section 363 read with Section 384),
 Kidnapping for camel racing etc. (Section 363)
 Kidnapping for begging (Section 363-A)
 Kidnapping to compel for marriage (Section 366)
 Kidnapping for slavery etc. (Section 367)
 Kidnapping for stealing from its person: under 10 years of age only (Section 369)
f) Procurement of minor girls by inducement or by force to seduce or have illicit intercourse
(Section 366-A)
g) Selling of girls for prostitution (Section 372)
h) Buying of girls for prostitution (Section 373)
i) Rape (Section 376)
j) Unnatural Sex (Section 377).
(ii) The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 is a comprehensive legislation
that provides for proper care, protection and treatment of children in conflict with law and
children in need of care and protection by catering to their development needs, and by adopting a
27 | P a g e
child friendly approach in the adjudication and disposition of matters in the best interest of
children and for their ultimate rehabilitation through various institutions established under the
Act. It conforms to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the UN Standard Minimum
Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (The Beijing Rules) 1985, the UN Rules for the
Protection of Juveniles Deprived of their Liberty and all other relevant national and international
instruments.
It prescribes a uniform age of 18 years, below which both boys and girls are to be treated as
children. A clear distinction has been made in this Act between the juvenile offender and the
neglected child. It also aims to offer a juvenile or a child increased access to justice by
establishing Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees. The Act has laid special
emphasis on rehabilitation and social integration of the children and has provided for
institutional and non-institutional measures for care and protection of children. The non-
institutional alternatives include adoption, foster care, sponsorship, and after care.
The following sections of the Act deal with child abuse:
Section 23: Punishment for cruelty to juvenile or child: The Act provides for punishment
(Imprisonment up to six months) if a person having the actual charge of, or control over, a
juvenile or the child, assaults, abandons, exposes or willfully neglects him/her, causes or
procures him/her to be assaulted, abandoned, exposed or neglected in any manner likely to cause
such juvenile/child unnecessary mental or physical suffering.
Section 24: Employment of Juvenile or Child for Begging: The Act provides for punishment
(Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years and fine) if a person employs or uses any
juvenile/child for the purpose or causes any juvenile to beg.
Section 26: Exploitation of Juvenile or Child Employee: The Act provides for punishment
(Imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years and fine) if a person ostensibly procures
juvenile/child for the purpose of any hazardous employment, keeps him in bondage and
withholds his earnings or uses such earning for his own purposes.
(iii) Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

The Act was formulated to eliminate child labour and provides for punishments and penalties for
employing children below the age of 14 years in from various hazardous occupations and
processes. The Act provides power to State Governments to make Rules with reference to health
and safety of children, wherever their employment is permitted. It provides for regulation of
28 | P a g e
work conditions including fixing hours of work, weekly holidays, notice to inspectors, provision
for resolving disputes as to age, maintenance of registers etc. Through a recent notification, child
domestic workers up to 14 years of age working in hotels and dhabas have been brought within
the purview of the Act. It is one step towards the total elimination of child labour.
(iv) The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

The Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 has been repealed and the major provisions of the new
Act include:
 Every child marriage shall be voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a
child at the time of the marriage;
 The Court while granting a decree of nullity shall make an order directing the parties,
parents and guardians to return the money, valuables, ornaments and other gifts received;
 The Court may also make an interim or final order directing the male contracting party to
the child marriage or parents or guardian to pay maintenance to the female contracting
party to the marriage and for her residence until her remarriage;
 The Court shall make an appropriate order for the custody and the maintenance of the
children of child marriages;
 Notwithstanding that a child marriage has been annulled, every child of such marriage
shall be deemed to be a legitimate child for all purposes;
 Child marriages to be void in certain circumstances like minor being sold for the purpose
of marriage, minor after being married is sold or trafficked or used for immoral purposes,
etc.;
 Enhancement in punishments for male adults marrying a child and persons performing,
abetting, promoting, attending etc. a child marriage with imprisonment up to two years
and fine up to one lakh rupees;
 States to appoint Child Marriage Prohibition Officers whose duties include prevention of
solemnization of child marriages, collection of evidence for effective prosecution,
creating awareness and sensitization of the community etc.
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6. FIELD WORK AND DATA ANALYSIS
Research Questions :
1. What is your name?
2. Do you study or not? If not then what do you do?
3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?
4. Do you want to study further or not?
5. Do your boss impose harsh punishment on you when you mistakenly do something
wrong?
6. What is the condition and the environment of the place where you work?
7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?
8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?
9. Do anyone in your workplace teases you or try to harass you physically, emotionally or
mentally?
10. In your opinion, what should be done by the society and the government for the
betterment of child labours and the victims of child abuse?
Interview Schedule:
I. First interviewee :
Ans. My name is Anuj kumar.

Ans. No. I don’t study. I am a labour in a restaurant and I also work as a domestic helper
in a house. I have been working since I was 8 years old and at present I am 13 years old.
30 | P a g e
Ans. Yes. My parents always compel me to work although I want to study. Even I tried to
go school in the morning with my friends but it doesn’t work as the financial condition of
my family is not well and also my father is ill and at home for last 4 months.
Ans. Yes. Definitely I want to study. Whenever I see my friend going to school I also
want to go with them but my family and the adverse conditions don’t let to go and study.
wrong?
Ans. Yes. Sometimes. When the last time I accidently broke the glass and the jar, my
boss deduced the fine of this from my salary. Even though my salary is so less.
Ans. It’s very stressful. There is always a fearful environment. My boss always used to
scold me for little things.
Ans. There are so many difficulties in my life as I want to study but my parents don’t
want me to study they ask me to earn money and give it to them and always say to be
responsible and caring for my family and my little sister.
Ans. No. I am at present not availing any benefit of government policies and schemes
although there are government schools in my village but I am unable to go there due to
my long working hours.
mentally?
Ans. Yes. One day my boss beat me in front of the customers as I mistakenly gave the
wrong food parcel to the customer.
31 | P a g e
Ans. I don’t know much about this but I want that government should provide us that
minimum wage amount that would be sufficient for our livelihood.
Researcher Observations: The researcher observed that Anuj Kumar belongs to a lower class
family and he was interested in studies, but he supports his family financially. He has been
working in a restaurant for last 6 months and prior to this he also worked as a domestic helper in
a house. Poor economic condition and poor health of his parents made him to stop study and to
get engaged in work time and again. He faced physical abuse from his boss in the form of
beating and scoldings.
II. Second interviewee :
Ans. My name is Radha kumari.

Ans. Yes. I do study and after school I go to a small factory where I work for 5-6 hours
daily and make joss sticks.
Ans. Yes. My father left us 4 years back and I live with my maternal grandparents. Their
financial condition is also not sound so I had to work to for me and mother.
Ans. Yes. I want to study further also. In my school all the girls are smart and rich, no
one talks with me and I have no friends there.
wrong?
Ans. Yes. When I do any little mistake he always scold me.
32 | P a g e
Ans. It’s good. There are many girls employees and they all are my friend. We enjoy our
company and make 300-400 joss sticks daily.
Ans. There are so many difficulties in my life as I want to study well but due to factory
work I don’t get the much time to do self study and also I don’t have any extra money to
take tuitions like my classmates.
Ans. Yes. In my childhood I used to go to primary government school and from where I
get day meals and school dress also.
mentally?
Ans. Yes. A girl in my workplace bullies everyone. Sometimes she mock on her torn up
dress and her messy hair which emotionally hurt me a lot.
Ans. The government should provide us financial support for our higher education and
give the maintenance money to the poor families.
Researcher Observations: The researcher observed that Radha Kumari is a poor girl. She goes
to school and after the school she goes to factory to make joss sticks. In her school all the girls
are smart and rich and no one talk to her so she feels neglected. In her factory also girls used to
mock on her and so she is suffering from the mental abuse.
III. Third interviewee :
33 | P a g e
Ans. My name is kajal.
Ans. No. I don’t study. I am a sweeper and I earn money by cleaning railway platform.
Ans. My parents died when I was 10 years old. I live at station with my brother and my
sister. All of us are working and earning money for our livelihood by cleaning railway
compartments and railway platforms.
Ans. No. I am not interested in study but my little sister and my brother are interested in
study. They sometimes go to government primary school for half day.
wrong?
Ans. Yes. The supervisor of sweepers used to scold us sometimes for not cleaning the
platform neatly and also when we used to skip our works for some personal reasons.
Ans. It’s very bad. We have to work for 6-7 hours daily and also get the little amount
wages when is not sufficient for our livelihood.
Ans. There are so many difficulties in my life as I have to take care of my brother and
sister and also I have to work for extra hours to fulfill their requirement.
Ans. No. I am at present not availing any benefit of government policies and schemes
although there are government schools in which my siblings used to go sometimes.
mentally?
34 | P a g e
Ans. Yes. One day my boss slapped me when I argued to give me my proper wages of the
day.
Ans. I don’t know much about this but I want that government should provide proper
shelter to the street children and beggars.
Researcher Observations: The researcher observed that kajal is a sweeper and living in a great
hardship in a cottage near the railways station. She doesn’t have her parents. She is the elder
among all her brothers and sisters. She has the responsibility of all her siblings. She clean the
railway platforms and the railway compartments for 6-7 hours and her supervisor always used to
scold her on little mistakes and also deduct her salary.
IV. Fourth interviewee :
Ans. My name is Sashi.

Ans. No. I don’t study. I work in a hotel.
Ans. Yes. My father compels me to do work but my mother wants me to study. When I
don’t go to work my father beat me and when I don’t go to school my mother scold me
the whole day and night.
Ans. Yes. Definitely I want to study. Whenever I see my friend going to school I also
want to go with them but father stops me to go to school and force me to work in the
hotel.
35 | P a g e
wrong?
Ans. Yes. Sometimes. When I accidently broke something my boss scolds me and
deducts the fine of this from my salary.
Ans. It’s very stressful. I don’t want to work there. I want to study but the financial
condition of my home is stopping me from availing the proper education.
Ans. There are so many difficulties in my life as I want to study but my father doesn’t let
me to study in the school, and my mother scolds me for not going to school and I am
crushing between these two things.
Ans. Yes. I am at present availing the benefits of government schools of my village but I
am unable to go there regularly.
mentally?
Ans. No.
Ans. I don’t know much about this but I want that government should provide us that
minimum wage amount that would be sufficient for our livelihood.
Researcher Observations: The researcher observed that Sashi belongs to a lower class family
and he was interested in studies, but he supports his family financially. He has been working in a
hotel for last 4 months. His father forces him to stop study and to get engaged in work and earn
money and give it to him. Her mother wants him to do his studies. He is being crushed between
these and so he is suffering from both physical and emotional abuse.
36 | P a g e
V. Fifth interviewee :
Ans. My name is Usha Bharti.

Ans. No. I don’t study. I work in a home as a domestic helper.
Ans. Yes. My parents compel me to do work as a domestic helper.
Ans. Yes. I want to study like my friends but my parents compel me to do work.
wrong?
Ans. Yes. Sometimes the lady owner of the house get angry upon me when I don’t wash
the dishes properly and also abuse me badly.
Ans. It’s very bad. I don’t want to work there. The lady is so rude.
Ans. There are so many difficulties in my life as I want to study but my parents don’t let
me to study in the school.
Ans. Yes. I am at present availing the benefits of government schools of my village but I
am unable to go there regularly.
mentally?
Ans. Yes. The owner of the house used to abuse me and scold me for little mistakes.
37 | P a g e
Ans. I want that government should provide good education facilities and security to the
women.
Researcher Observations: The researcher observed that Usha Bharti belongs to a lower class
family and she was interested in studies, but she supports his family financially. She has been
working in a home as a domestic helper for last one year. Her father forces her to stop study and
to get engaged in work and earn money and give it to him. Her mistress always scolds her and
also abuses her badly on little mistakes.
38 | P a g e
Data Analysis
Although there is a dearth of data on the nature and magnitude of the incidence of child abuse in
India, data on offences against children reported by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
is the only authentic source to estimate the number of children in abusive situations. It is
important to note here that the NCRB data is only indicative in nature as it is based on the
reported cases. It is also an accepted fact that the majority of cases of child abuse go un-
reported.47
Table : Incident of crimes committed against children
The above table indicates that between 2002 and 2005 there was a steep rise in the total number
of crimes against children. In 2002, 5972 cases were registered as against 14975 cases registered
in 2005. Incidence of kidnapping and abduction of children were around 2322 in 2002 and 2571
in 2003, which rose to 3196 and 3518 in 2004 and 2005 respectively.
Although the reported number of cases of procurement of minor girls has decreased by 29.3% in
2005 compared to 2004, media and other reports indicate that the unofficial number is much
higher. Reported cases of child rape, one of the worst forms of sexual abuse, have increased in
number between 2004 and 2005, from 3542 cases to 4026 respectively, indicating an increase of
13.7%. In India the problem of child abuse has not received enough attention. There have been
few and sporadic efforts to understand and address the problem. However, child abuse is
47
https://www.hg.org/children-rights.html (3/3/2019, 3:19 pm)
39 | P a g e
prevalent in India as in many other countries and there is a need to understand its dimensions and
complexities.48
Table : Percentage of children in various age-group reporting physical abuse in states.
Considering the difference in the sample size of different age groups of child respondents, it was
important to analyze percentage of incidence of physical abuse even within specific age group.
When analyzed within age group, it was observed that amongst all child respondents in the age
group of 5-12 years, 72.20% reported physical abuse in one or more situations. Further, 70.61%
of child respondents in the age vgroup of 13-14 years and 62.13% in the age group of 15-18
years reported physical abuse in one or more situations. This means that incidence of physical
abuse in one or more situations amongst children in the age group of 5-12 years continue to be
high in comparison to other age groups.49
48
Ibid.
49
40 | P a g e
Table : Percentage of children facing one or more forms of other sexual abuse.
The state-wise analysis of other forms of sexual abuse of children revealed that Assam again
reported the highest percentage of sexual abuse (86.26%) of those children who faced one or
more other forms of sexual abuse followed by Andhra Pradesh (72.83%) and Delhi (72.26%)
with Bihar reporting (67.64%). It is important to note that these were the very same states, which
reported higher percentage in severe forms of sexual abuse. The less severe forms of sexual
abuse are definitely more prevalent, which is reflective from the fact that even amongst the states
reporting lowest percentage, the percentage is 29.36%. This means that a minimum of one third
of all the children across the board have faced at least one or more forms of sexual abuse. Such
trends are disturbing and require immediate intervention at family, community and state levels.50
50
41 | P a g e
Table : State and gender-wise percentage of children reporting emotional abuse through
humiliation.
The analysis of state and gender-wise percentage of children reporting emotional abuse through
humiliation revealed that in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi and Rajasthan, the
percentage of boys facing humiliation was significantly higher than that of girls. This means that
boys are generally treated more harshly by being shouted at or spoken rudely to or abusive
language used when addressing them. It is noteworthy to mention that often children at
workplace, children on the streets and children in institutions are treated very harshly by their
employers, caregivers and others. While the percentage of boys and girls from all evidence
groups reporting humiliation was almost similar, three out of five evidence groups reported
higher percentage of boys facing humiliation as compared to girls. Further, within the evidence
groups, the percentage of boys facing humiliation was highest amongst children in institutional
care.51
51
42 | P a g e
7. CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTIONS
The primary responsibility of protecting children from abuse and neglect lies with the families or
the primary caregivers. However, communities and civil society and all other stakeholders are
also responsible for the care and protection of children. The overarching responsibility is that of
the state and it is the state that has to create a protective environment and provide a safety net for
children who fall into vulnerable and exploitative situations.52
The present National Policy on Children 1974 needs revision and there is a clear and established
need for a separate National Child Protection Policy. In addition, every state should set up a State
Commission for the Protection of Rights of the Child and formulate Plans of Action for Child
Protection at the district and state levels. There is also a clear and established need for a National
Legislation to deal with child abuse. The proposed legislation should address all forms of sexual
abuse including commercial sexual exploitation, child pornography and grooming for sexual
purpose. It should also deal with physical abuse including corporal punishment and bullying,
economic exploitation of children, trafficking of children and the sale and transfer of children.
The legislation should also look at mechanisms of reporting and persons responsible for
reporting. This must be seen in the context of the fact that more than 70% of the child
respondents do not report the matter of sexual abuse to anyone. It has also very clearly emerged
that the largest percentage of abusers are persons within the family or persons in position of trust
and authority. The legislation should address such issues also.53
The majority of abuse cases take place within the family environment, the perpetrators being
close family relatives. A child who has been abused or continues to be in an abusive situation,
needs a variety of services, including professional help in the form of trauma counseling, medical
treatment, police intervention and legal support. Such a system should be established under the
scheme on child protection. Further, the existing Childline service providing emergency outreach
services to children in difficult circumstances should be expanded.54
Migration and rapid urbanization have forced a very large number of children onto the streets.
52
Save the Children and Tulir (2006): Research on Prevalence and Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse
among school going children in Chennai (4/3/2019, 10:44 pm)
53
25.9% of women and children trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation were from Andhra Pradesh (4/3/2019,
10:52 pm)
54
Human Rights Watch, Street Children, http://hrw.org/children/street.htm (4/3/2019, 11: 24 pm)
43 | P a g e
Such children survive by begging, working, scavenging, rag picking, etc. It is essential to
provide outreach services to these children through bridge education, night shelters and
vocational skills, so as to get them off the streets, reduce their vulnerability and enable them to
sustain themselves.55
Equity is possible if social norms ensure that the girl child lives in a non-abusive environment in
which she is cared for and respected. Discrimination of girls results in their lower enrollment in
schools, higher levels of malnutrition, trafficking of girls for sexual exploitation, child marriage
and their non-participation in decision-making in the family etc. These imbalances need to be
addressed by bringing about attitudinal changes in people regarding the value of the girl child.
Empowerment of adolescent girls should be done by making them aware of their rights,
orientating them on the subject of abuse, instilling life skills including knowledge of childbirth
and child rearing practices, HIV & AIDS and personal hygiene among others. The adolescent
girl component of ICDS should be strengthened.56
Government, NGOs and civil society should make efforts to instill non-sexist norms and values
through advocacy and communication strategies and campaigns using electronic, print and folk
media and through open discourses on gender equity with involvement of public figures. Focus
should be on elimination of discrimination and abuse of girls and on creating awareness of
existing legislations.57
The media should be used to spread awareness on child rights. Debates and discussions with
participation of children can be a regular feature on electronic media in order to enhance people's
knowledge and sensitivity on child protection issues. While media coverage of child protection
issues is desirable, it is essential that the coverage is done in such a way that it prescribes to high
ethical standards of reporting such as avoiding disclosure of the identity of the child victim to
reduce the child's trauma and prevent re-victimization of the child. It is also essential to obtain
informed consent of the child in cases of reporting. All these measures will protect the child from
the stigma attached to abuse and prevent sensationalization of the issue. The Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting and media self regulatory authorities should take necessary action
55
Ibid.
56
Oregon State University, Physical Abuse, http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/hdfs444/physabuse.html (4/3/2019,
11:30 pm)
57
Ibid.
44 | P a g e
to develop ethical standards for the media and to implement them.58
The biggest challenges in child protection are the creation of a database of all child protection
services, linking of lateral services, creation of a knowledge base, and tracking of missing
children, all of which have to be addressed at the grassroot level. The database, therefore, should
be developed at the district level itself with upward and lateral linkages. Good practices in
protection should be documented and shared to facilitate qualitative improvement at all levels.
Children's voices need to be heard by everyone. All fora addressing issues of child rights should
have adequate children's representation with the opportunity for them to express their views. For
example, school curricula should be developed with the active participation of children; children
should be involved in development of the district child protection plan, children should be
involved in management of schools and institutions, etc.59
58
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.603.8835&rep=rep1&type=pdf (4/3/2019, 11:39 pm)
59
Ibid.
45 | P a g e
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS AND ARTICLES
1. Ross, S., Risk of physical abuse to children of spouse abusing parents, Child Abuse &
Neglect.(1996).
2. Shumba, A.; Abosi, O.C., The Nature, Extent and Causes of Abuse of Children with
Disabilities in Schools in Botswana. International Journal of Disability, Development
& Education (2011)
3. Famularo R, Kinscherff R, Fenton T , Parental substance abuse and the nature of
child maltreatment. Child Abuse & Neglect (1992).
4. Hathaway J.E.; Mucci L.A.; Silverman J.G.; et al., Health status and health care use
of Massachusetts women reporting partner abuse". Am J Prev Med., (2000).
5. Durrant, Joan; Ensom, Ron, Physical punishment of children: lessons from 20 years
of research, Canadian Medical Association Journal (4 September 2012).
6. Volume 1, Child Welfare Research Review, Columbia University Press.(2001)
7. The NHRC Report on Trafficking in Women and Children in India (2005)
8. International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect: World Perspectives
on Child
9. Abuse, 6th Edition(2006)
10. World Health Organization: Report of the Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention;
Geneva (1999)
11. Sen, S & Nair P. M., Trafficking in Women and Children in India; Orient Longman
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi (2005)
12. Save the Children and Tulir, Abuse among Child Domestic Workers- A Research
Study in West Bengal (2006)
13. Save the Children, Child Domestic Work: A Violation of Human Rights- Assessment
of Situation in Delhi City (2005)
14. Report of World Health Organization and International Society for Prevention of
Child Abuse and Neglect (2006).
46 | P a g e
INTERNET SOURCES
1. https://www.livestrong.com/article/229260-causes-effects-of-child-abuse/
2. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/child-abuse.html
3. http://www.who.int/violence_injury_prevention/violence/neglect/en/
4. https://www.qld.gov.au/community/getting-support-health-social-issue/support-
victims abuse/child-abuse/child
5. https://pcain.org/education-outreach/reasons/
6. https://www.livestrong.com/article/229260-causes-effects-of-child-abuse/
7. https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/can/
8. https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/
9. https://preventchildabuse.org/
10. https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/sexual-abuse
11. https://www.verywellmind.com/identify-and-cope-with-emotional-abuse-4156673
12. https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/systemwide/laws-policies/
13. https://www.hg.org/children-rights.html
14. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.603.8835&rep=rep1&type
=pdf
47 | P a g e

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WESTERNISATION

FINAL DRAFT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF COURSE TITLED

19th August, 2019

Chanakya National Law University

 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

A. PHYSICAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN

I. Physical Abuse Of Children In Families

II. Physical Abuse In Schools

III. Physical Abuse Of Children In Institutions

IV. Physical Abuse Of Children At Work

V. Physical Abuse Of Street Children

Table : State-wise percentage of children facing emotional abuse. 43

B. INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND DECLARATIONS

C. NATIONAL POLICIES AND LEGISLATIONS ADDRESSING CHILD

(ii) National Plan of Action for Children (NPAC), 2005

II. National legislations

(iii) Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

(iv) The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006

2. Do you study or not? If not then what do you do?

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

4. Do you want to study further or not?

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Anuj kumar.

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

4. Do you want to study further or not?

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

wrong food parcel to the customer.

II. Second interviewee :

1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Radha kumari.

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

4. Do you want to study further or not?

Ans. Yes. When I do any little mistake he always scold me.

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

dress and her messy hair which emotionally hurt me a lot.

III. Third interviewee :

1. What is your name?

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

4. Do you want to study further or not?

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

IV. Fourth interviewee :

1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Sashi.

Ans. No. I don’t study. I work in a hotel.

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

4. Do you want to study further or not?

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

1. What is your name?

Ans. My name is Usha Bharti.

Ans. No. I don’t study. I work in a home as a domestic helper.

3. Do you parents compel you to do labour work for their livelihood?

Ans. Yes. My parents compel me to do work as a domestic helper.

4. Do you want to study further or not?

7. What kinds of difficulties you find in your day to day life?

8. Do you think that government policies are benefitting you in anyways?

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