Title: Exploring the intersection of cultural attitudes and legal protection for children from sexual offences in India

Authors: Himani Lodhi; Ujjwal Singh

Addresses: Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, UK ' Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, UK

Abstract: This article looks at the relationship between social and cultural perceptions of child sex abuse and child protection laws in India. The article first defines 'child sexual abuse' before going through its prevalence and characteristics in India. The book then explores social and cultural perspectives on child sex abuse, including the stigma and shame attached to it as well as how caste and gender affect perceptions. The research then examines how these viewpoints have an impact on how child sexual abuse is reported, investigated, prosecuted, punished, and compensated. The article concludes with suggestions for dealing with the impact of cultural and societal attitudes on the legal protection of children, including the function of the state, civil society organisations, the media, and the educational system. Overall, this research highlights the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to tackle societal and cultural attitudes in order to properly protect Indian children from sexual assault.

Keywords: sexual offences; cultural attitudes; societal attitudes; child sexual abuse; POCSO Act 2012; India.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRCS.2025.142865

International Journal of Human Rights and Constitutional Studies, 2025 Vol.12 No.1, pp.34 - 43

Received: 10 Apr 2023
Accepted: 30 May 2023
Published online: 30 Nov 2024 *