Child Abuse and Neglect in India, Risk Factors and Protective Measures

Abstract

Although child abuse and neglect is a global phenomenon, it is a deep-rooted social and cultural problem in the developing countries like India. Some forms of child abuse like corporal punishment and psychological abuse are not recognized as abuse in the developing countries. Rather it is believed to be beneficial for disciplining children at an early age. Neglect is a normal phenomenon for children living in families below the poverty line. Improving the economic condition of people living below the poverty line is a big challenge because of the magnitude of the Indian population. Nevertheless the Government of India has taken several measures for improving the quality of life of people of all sections of the society. This chapter elaborates about various forms of child abuse and neglect in India with evidence and discusses about the major risk factors and consequences of abuse and neglect. The chapter also highlights the role of living environment for child abuse and neglect. Finally, the chapter gives an overview about some of the legislative and social measures for prevention and intervention of child abuse neglect. Based on the first-hand experience of the first author of the chapter, a number of steps are suggested to address the issue in a culture-friendly and sensitive manner.