POCSO Act - Child Protection FAQs

Objective:

To safeguard children under 18 years from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation, ensuring justice in a child-friendly and time-bound manner.

Key Features

• Inclusive Protection: Applies equally to male and female children.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Addresses all forms of sexual offences, including inappropriate touching, sexual remarks, rape, and child pornography.
• Child-Friendly Procedures: Ensures victim identities are protected, hearings are conducted sensitively, and statements are recorded in a non-intimidating manner, preferably by female officers.
• Stringent Punishments: Provides for severe penalties, including life imprisonment for serious offences.
• Mandatory Reporting: Obligates individuals to report cases of child sexual abuse; failure to do so is punishable.
• Special Courts: Establishes Special Courts for swift and sensitive trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the POCSO Act?

A law to protect children under 18 from sexual abuse, harassment, and exploitation.

2. Who is considered a "child" under this Act?

Any person below the age of 18 years.

3. Does this law protect both boys and girls?

Yes, it protects all children regardless of gender.

4. What types of acts are considered offences under POCSO?

Any sexual activity like inappropriate touching, showing private parts, making sexual remarks, rape, or making child pornography.

5. What is the punishment for sexual offences under POCSO?

Depending on the offence, punishment ranges from 3 years to life imprisonment.

6. Can someone be punished for just touching a child inappropriately?

Yes, even non-penetrative sexual assault is punishable.

7. What is "Aggravated Sexual Assault"?

When the offender is a person in a position of trust—like a teacher, doctor, police officer, or relative.

8. Is watching or sharing child pornography also a crime under POCSO?

Yes, storing, viewing, or distributing child sexual material is a serious offence.

9. Can a minor boy be charged under POCSO for being in a relationship with a girl?

Yes, legally both are minors and not allowed to consent, so even consensual acts can attract charges.

10. Is it mandatory to report a case of child sexual abuse?

Yes, not reporting is also punishable under the Act.

11. Who can file a complaint under POCSO?

The child, parents, guardians, teachers, neighbours—anyone aware of the offence.

12. Can a child be called to court to testify?

Yes, but in a child-friendly environment, and the child's privacy is protected.

13. Can the name or identity of the child be revealed?

No, it is illegal to reveal the identity of the child in media or public.

14. Is there a time limit to file a complaint?

No, complaints can be filed at any time after the abuse.

15. What is a Special POCSO Court?

A court specially designated to handle child sexual abuse cases quickly and sensitively.

16. What if the accused is a family member?

The law still applies fully—even parents, relatives, or guardians can be punished.

17. Can a false complaint under POCSO lead to punishment?

Yes, but only if it is proved that the complaint was intentionally false.

18. Who supports the child during the case?

A support person or child welfare committee may be assigned to help the child through the legal process.

19. Can the child get medical help and counselling?

Yes, free medical aid, psychological support, and shelter (if needed) are available.

20. How can someone report a case of child sexual abuse?

By going to the police, calling Childline 1098, or contacting the Child Welfare Committee (CWC).