POCSO cases on the rise in state; Govt mulls new plan

THRISSUR: The Government is trying a new move to deploy school teachers to spread awareness and prevent students from being exploited. The move comes after deliberating the surge in sexual abuse cases involving minors.

The government considers teachers to be the ideal choice to help children distinguish between good and bad touches. An average of 4,500 POCSO cases were registered in previous years. But in the first two months of this year, 888 cases were registered. This spike may be because more children are now opening up to teachers and Child Line workers about their ordeal.

Many teachers do not have an understanding of the POCSO case. The police in Thrissur are also planning steps to make teachers aware of the seriousness of the crime.

Despite students opening up about their horrific experience, some parents are hesitant to move further with the case for fear of embarrassment and shame.

An inspection by the Child Protection Committee found that violence against boys is also increasing. It was 13 per cent in 2022. It rose to 14 per cent in 2023 and 18 per cent in 2024. Most of the victims are children between the ages of 7 and 12. Last year, the highest number of POCSO cases was in the Thiruvananthapuram district. The lowest was in Kasaragod.

Most abuse occurs at home

(Incidents and cases of abuse in 2024)

At home ................................................ 1004

At school..................................................133

In vehicles................................ 102

In hotels..................................99

At friends' houses.......... 96

In religious institutions................................ 60

In hospitals..................................29

In child care centres............. 12