In a year, 310 cases of child sexual abuse reported in J&K

Srinagar, Jun 22: Going by data, registration of cases of child sexual abuse are increasing in J&K, a trend that appears worrisome, but at the same time signals a better awareness among children.

In 2024-25, 310 cases were registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POSCO) in J&K, a marked increase from a miniscule number reported between 2015 to 2018.

Speaking to Greater Kashmir, J&K Child Welfare Committee Chairperson, Dr Khair-ul-Nissa said the increase in number of registered cases is because of a better legal framework to address such incidents.

Over the past five years, J&K enacted its own Child Protection law – J&K POCS Act, 2018. In 2029, it was repealed and replaced by the POCSO (Amendment) Act, 2019. In addition, the 1098 helpline under Childline India Foundation (CIF) may also be one of the factors that helps children to report incidents of abuse. The helpline allows confidential reporting of sexual abuse and protects victim identity.

“We receive a number of calls, many of them not amounting to abuse, but that is what is the best part. Children are becoming aware, alert and sensitive to touch, talk and behavior by someone that they do not approve of, that they feel needs to be reported, stopped,” Dr Nissa said.

According to CWC, 310 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in J&K in 2024-25, upto April 2025. Of these, a majority of cases are from Srinagar and Jammu districts. In Srinagar alone, 60 cases were registered in a year. With stronger and victim centric laws, the CWC says, the outcomes of a complaint of child abuse are usually better. “Perpetrators are punished as per the legal framework, and victims are compensated.

Under District Legal Services Authority, victims of child sexual abuse are provided assistance of Rs 4,000 per month, In addition, a one-time assistance is also provided on the recommendation of CWC,” Dr Nissa said.

However, while the number of reported cases of child sexual abuse may appear overwhelming, many believe that it is just tip of the ice-berg. Given the fact a large number of instances of abuse come to light years after they have taken place, they feel it would be safe to assume that thousands of children are facing abuse at this moment, but they have not come forward to report it.

S Khan, a social worker based in Baramulla and Srinagar told Greater Kashmir that a number of girls she has spoken to as part of her educational outreach initiatives have opened up about unwanted and abusive behavior, usually by a neighbor, family member or a person of authority in their social circles. “However, they would never agree to reporting the crime as they fear the societal taboo and stigma,” Khan said.

The CWC says it is committed to changing this scenario. It has directed all schools to display child helpline numbers in school buses, notice boards and gates, corridors, everywhere around in educational institutes. In addition, schools were also directed to implement Supreme Court Guidelines for protection of children in schools. Many parents believe schools lag in ensuring safety and report they have not seen any measures to improve it.

“I was shocked to know that most schools do not even talk about the concept of good and bad touch,” Shahida Zargar, a parent with a daughter in a primary school of Srinagar said. She urged that CWC acts strictly on schools that exhibit laxity towards this important issue.