NCJ Number
138033
Journal
Indian Journal of Social Work Volume: 52 Issue: 3 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 293-302
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the state of knowledge about child abuse in India identifies some of the forms of child maltreatment, and discusses implications for human service professionals and policymakers.
Abstract
The need to prevent and intervene to stop child abuse and neglect has been a part of the Indian political consciousness since at least the early part of this century, as evidence in the passage of the first Children Act of 1924 in Bombay and its subsequent amendment, as well as the enactment of the Central Children Act by the Central Government in 1960. The Juvenile Justice Act of 1986 also calls for the protection and care of children who are destitute or neglected. Despite the existence of such legislation, however, there is little awareness either among the general public or human service professionals about the extent and severity of child abuse in India. Increased knowledge about and attention to child abuse must begin with a definition. The 1988 National Seminar on Child Abuse in India developed the following definition of child abuse: Child abuse and neglect is the intentional, nonaccidental injury, maltreatment of children by parents, caretakers, employers, or others, including those individuals representing governmental/nongovernmental bodies which may lead to temporary or permanent impairment of their physical, mental, and psychosocial development, disability, or death." This definition does not differentiate between familial and societal abuse, and the definition will cause child welfare workers the same difficulties as those experienced by their counterparts in the Western world. The types of child maltreatment found in India can be categorized as societal abuse, physical maltreatment, and nonphysical maltreatment. India should set the prevention of child abuse and neglect as a national priority. This must begin with a strong knowledge base derived from research and transferred to appropriate policymakers. 33 references