Archive · 17 Dec 2025
Child Sexual Abuse in India: Key Facts and Prevention
Child sexual abuse is a serious problem in India and other parts of South Asia.
A recent report shows that many children have experienced abuse, and most of the abusers are people the children know.
This can be very scary, but parents can help protect their children by teaching them about safety, listening to them, and watching for signs of trouble.
If a child tells you they have been abused, it's important to believe them, stay calm, and get help from professionals.
There are steps parents can take to keep their children safe and help them heal if something bad happens.
One in eight children in South Asia has experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood.
There was a 94% rise in reported POCSO cases between 2017 and 2022.
96.6% of offenders were known to the victim, highlighting the importance of trust and awareness.
Parents can protect their children by educating them about personal safety and digital safety.
Signs of abuse include anxiety, fear, unexplained bruises, and recurring infections.
- Who
- Children in South Asia, particularly India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka
- What
- Child sexual abuse and its prevention
- When
- Report highlights data from 2017 to 2022
- Where
- South Asia, with a focus on India
- Why
- To raise awareness and provide guidance for parents to protect and support children
- Reported Cases Increase
- 94% rise in POCSO cases from 2017 to 2022
- Offenders Known to Victims
- 96.6% of offenders were known to the victim
- Prevalence in South Asia
- 1 in 8 children experienced rape or sexual assault
- NGO Involved
- Arpan, dedicated to eradicating child sexual abuse
- Psychologist Consulted
- Namrata Joshi, MA in clinical psychology
- Key Prevention Strategy
- Teach personal safety rules and digital safety
- Signs of Abuse
- Anxiety, fear, unexplained bruises, recurring infections
- Response Strategy
- Believe the child, seek professional help