Lancet Study: Child Sexual Abuse Prevalence in India and World
Why in the news
A global analysis in The Lancet, led by IHME at the University of Washington, estimated childhood sexual abuse using consistent measures for the first time.
Key facts
- Study period 1990-2023; first age-standardised global estimates.
- Indian girls’ figure is the highest in South Asia.
Prevalence of abuse before 18
| Group | Females | Males |
|---|---|---|
| India | 30.8% | 13% |
| Global average (2023) | 18.9% | 14.8% |
POCSO Act at a glance
- In force from 14 November 2012, after India’s 1992 ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
- Aim: tackle sexual exploitation of children that earlier laws left undefined or lightly punished.
- Child: anyone under 18; the Act is gender-neutral.
- A 2019 amendment toughened penalties, including the death penalty for certain offences.
- POCSO Rules, 2020 frame implementation; storing child pornography is a defined offence.
Exam angle
- Research body: IHME, University of Washington.
- Timeline: Act 2012, amendment 2019, Rules 2020.