Introduction to Offenses Against Children

Offenses against children represent a severe and troubling category of crimes that encompass a wide range of abusive and exploitative behaviors inflicted upon minors. These offenses are not only criminal but also morally reprehensible, as they target the most vulnerable and defenseless members of society. Understanding and addressing these offenses is crucial for the protection and well-being of children worldwide.

Children, due to their developmental stage and dependency, are particularly susceptible to various forms of abuse and neglect. The impact of these offenses can be profound and long-lasting, affecting a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological health. Consequently, it is imperative for societies to recognize the different types of offenses against children, the signs and symptoms, and the legal frameworks in place to prevent and respond to such crimes.

Types of Offenses Against Children

Physical Abuse: This involves the deliberate infliction of physical harm on a child, resulting in injuries such as bruises, burns, fractures, or even death. Physical abuse can be identified by unexplained injuries, frequent absences from school, and a child’s fear of going home.

Emotional Abuse: Emotional abuse, also known as psychological abuse, includes behaviors that harm a child’s self-worth or emotional well-being. This can manifest through constant criticism, threats, rejection, and withholding love or support. Signs may include extreme behavior changes, developmental delays, and depression.

Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse entails any sexual act or exploitation involving a child. This includes inappropriate touching, rape, incest, and using a child in the production of pornography. Indicators can be physical signs of abuse, knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, and behavioral changes like aggression or withdrawal.

Neglect: Neglect is the failure to meet a child’s basic needs, including adequate food, shelter, healthcare, education, and supervision. Neglect can lead to severe developmental issues and physical ailments. Symptoms of neglect include poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, and consistent absence from school.

Exploitation: Child exploitation refers to using a child for personal or financial gain. This can include child labor, trafficking, and forced begging. Children exploited in such ways often suffer from physical and emotional trauma and are deprived of their rights to education and a safe environment.

Section 93 : Exposure and abandonment of child under twelve years of age, by parent or person having care of it

This legal provision addresses the abandonment of a child by a parent or guardian. It focuses on the act of leaving or exposing a child under the age of twelve in a situation where the parent or caregiver intends to fully abandon the child. Here’s a broader explanation of its key elements:

1. Abandonment of a Child Under Twelve Years of Age: The section specifically targets situations where a child, who is under twelve years old, is intentionally abandoned by a parent or someone responsible for their care. The rationale behind this provision is to protect young children who are highly vulnerable and unable to care for themselves. If a parent or guardian leaves the child in a place where their well-being is at risk, the law considers this a serious offence.
2. Intention to Wholly Abandon the Child: The essential element of this crime is the intention to completely abandon the child, meaning that the parent or guardian intends to sever all ties and leave the child without care, protection, or support. This abandonment is not simply temporary neglect but an act where the caregiver has no plan to return or ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
3. Punishment: The law allows for severe punishment for this act of abandonment, with imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both. This recognizes the serious harm such abandonment can cause to the child, both physically and emotionally. The wide range of punishment reflects the different circumstances under which this crime may occur, from less harmful instances to more dangerous situations where the child is left in perilous conditions.
4. Potential for Additional Charges (Murder or Culpable Homicide): The explanation clarifies that if the abandoned child dies as a result of the exposure, the individual who abandoned the child may also be charged with more serious offences, such as murder or culpable homicide, depending on the circumstances of the death. For instance, if the child’s death was foreseeable due to the abandonment, the caregiver could face charges of culpable homicide. If the act was premeditated with the intent to kill, it may be prosecuted as murder.
5. Wider Implications:

• Child Rights and Protection: This provision highlights the duty of care that parents and guardians owe to children. Children under the age of twelve are highly dependent, and the law imposes a moral and legal obligation to ensure their safety.
• Deterrence: By imposing significant penalties, the law aims to deter parents or guardians from abandoning their children, ensuring that the act of neglect is met with consequences.
• Social Responsibility: In broader terms, this law is a reflection of society’s responsibility toward vulnerable members, particularly children. It serves to prevent the endangerment of children and holds caregivers accountable for their welfare.

Section 97 : Kidnapping or abducting child under ten years of age with intent to steal from its person

This provision aim at protecting children under the age of ten from being kidnapped or abducted for the purpose of stealing any movable property that they might be carrying. Here’s a broader explanation of the terms involved:

1. Kidnapping or Abduction:

• Kidnapping refers to unlawfully taking away or confining someone against their will. In this context, it specifically refers to the act of taking a child under ten years old without consent.
• Abduction involves using force, coercion, or deceit to move or restrain a person. Here, it similarly applies to children.

2. Child under the age of ten years:

• This law applies only to children below ten years, recognizing that they are particularly vulnerable and incapable of protecting themselves or their possessions.

3. Intention of taking dishonestly any movable property:

• The kidnapper’s or abductor’s intention must be dishonest, meaning they aim to steal something (movable property) that belongs to the child or is in the child’s possession. This could be anything the child carries, such as money, jewelry, or personal items.

4. Punishment:

• Imprisonment of either description: The term “either description” refers to the fact that the imprisonment can be of two types: rigorous imprisonment (with hard labor) or simple imprisonment (without hard labor).
• Term up to seven years: The sentence can be for a period that may extend up to seven years, depending on the severity of the crime and the judgment of the court.
• Fine: In addition to imprisonment, the person guilty of this crime may also have to pay a fine as determined by the court.

Section 98 : Selling child for purposes of prostitution, etc.

This section deals with the selling, hiring, or transferring of a child with the intent to exploit the child for prostitution, illicit sexual relations, or any immoral or illegal activity. If someone does this, they can be punished with up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine.

Explanation 1: If a girl under 18 years of age is sold, hired out, or handed over to a prostitute or someone managing a brothel, it is assumed (unless proven otherwise) that the person did this with the intent that the girl will be used for prostitution.

Explanation 2: “Illicit intercourse” means sexual relations between two people who are not married or connected by any legal or recognized relationship, according to the customs or personal laws of their communities.

• Example 1: A person sells a 15-year-old girl to someone who runs a brothel. Even if the seller does not openly say the girl will be used for prostitution, the law presumes this is the intent unless the seller can prove otherwise.
• Example 2: A man rents out a 13-year-old boy to someone, knowing that the boy may be used for illegal activities. The man will be punished, even if he doesn’t specifically say the boy is for immoral use.

Section 99 : Buying child for purposes of prostitution, etc

This provision addresses the offense of purchasing, hiring, or otherwise obtaining possession of a child with the intent to employ or use the child, at any stage, for purposes of prostitution, illicit sexual relations, or any unlawful or immoral activity. It also applies where the individual, although not having such intent, knows it to be likely that the child will be employed or used for such purposes.

The prescribed punishment for this offense is imprisonment of either description for a term of not less than seven years, which may extend up to fourteen years, along with liability to a fine.

Example:

If an individual acquires custody or control of a child, either by purchase or other means, with the intent that the child will later be exploited for prostitution or any illicit sexual activity, or if the individual is aware that the child is likely to be used for such purposes by another party, that person would be subject to a minimum sentence of seven years of imprisonment, which could extend to fourteen years, along with the imposition of a fine.

Conclusion

Offenses against children are a global issue that requires a concerted effort from governments, communities, and individuals to prevent and address. By understanding the different forms of abuse and exploitation, recognizing the signs, and being aware of the legal protections in place, we can work towards a safer and more nurturing environment for all children. Ensuring the well-being of children is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative, as they represent the future of our societies.