LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD ABUSE
AUTHOR – KHUSHI AGARWAL1 & MRS. AXITA SRIVASTAVA2, STUDENT1 & ASSISTANT PROFESSOR2 AT AMITY UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – KHUSHI AGARWAL, LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR PROTECTION OF CHILD ABUSE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (1) OF 2024, PG. 784-794, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
ABSTARCT
Child abuse remains a pervasive and distressing issue with profound implications for individuals, families, and societies at large. This abstract provides an overview of the multifaceted nature of child abuse, encompassing its various forms, contributing factors, and far-reaching consequences. The forms of child abuse are diverse, ranging from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse to neglect. Each form inflicts distinct and often overlapping harms on the victim, impeding their physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Moreover, the perpetration of abuse frequently occurs within familial or trusted environments, complicating detection and intervention efforts.
Contributing factors to child abuse are multifactorial and encompass individual, familial, societal, and cultural dimensions. These may include parental stress, substance abuse, socioeconomic disparities, intergenerational transmission of violence, and inadequate support systems. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing targeted prevention and intervention strategies. The impact of child abuse reverberates across the lifespan, affecting not only the immediate well-being of the child but also their long-term health outcomes and socioemotional functioning. Survivors of child abuse often grapple with a myriad of challenges, including mental health disorders, substance abuse, difficulties in forming healthy relationships, and a heightened risk of re-victimization. Efforts to address child abuse require a comprehensive approach that encompasses prevention, early detection, intervention, and support services. Key strategies may include education and awareness campaigns, strengthening child protection policies, enhancing access to mental health services, and promoting resilience-building interventions for both children and families. In conclusion, tackling child abuse necessitates a concerted and multifaceted effort that engages individuals, families, communities, and policymakers. By prioritizing prevention and early intervention, we can strive towards creating safer environments where children can thrive, free from the scourge of abuse.