Despite this alarming increase, the report highlights a conviction rate exceeding 90%, indicating that stronger reporting systems and legal mechanisms are yielding results.
POCSO Implementation and Rising Reports
The POCSO Act, introduced in 2012, was designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The sharp rise in cases over the past five years suggests not only a growing incidence but also a greater willingness among victims and families to report crimes. However, the report cautions that the actual number of cases may still be significantly higher.
One in Eight Children Affected in South Asia
The study, covering India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, reveals that one in every eight children experiences sexual assault or rape before turning 18. Across these three nations, an estimated 54 million children—about 12.5% of the child population— have been affected.
2.25 Million Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Cases in 2024
In 2024, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan accounted for the majority of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases reported in South Asia.
India alone recorded 2.25 million cases, highlighting the country’s ongoing struggle with digital exploitation.
AI-Generated Exploitation on the Rise
The report also warns of a 1,325% spike in AI-generated CSAM between 2023 and 2024. It criticizes major tech firms for implementing end-to-end encryption without adequate safety measures, making it harder to detect and curb online child exploitation.
Childlight CEO Paul Stanfield emphasized, “Behind every statistic is a child whose safety, dignity, and future have been stolen. This is not just a crime issue—it’s a humanitarian crisis.”
Call for Global Action
The report urges nations to treat child sexual abuse as a public health emergency, comparable in urgency to crises like HIV/AIDS and COVID-19. Stanfield stressed, “Abuse happens because it is allowed to happen. With enough determination, it can be stopped. Children cannot wait—the time for action is now.”
NCRB Data: Rising Crime Rate Against Children
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the crime rate against children in 2023 stood at 39.9 per one lakh child population, up from 36.6 in 2022.
Among all crimes against children:
- Kidnapping and abduction accounted for 79,884 cases (45%)
- POCSO Act offenses made up 67,694 cases (38.2%)
Shockingly, in over 96% of POCSO cases, the accused were known to the victims — including family members (3,224 cases), relatives and acquaintances (15,146), and friends or others (20,706).
Madhya Pradesh Tops in Crimes Against Children
In 2023, India recorded 1.77 lakh cases of crimes against children, up from 1.62 lakh in 2022, marking a 9.2% annual increase — the highest among all crime categories, including offenses against women and the elderly.
Madhya Pradesh reported the most cases, with 22,393 incidents, averaging 486 crimes daily — or roughly one every three minutes.
2.jpg)
1.jpg)
1.jpg)
1.jpg)
