On Child Abuse – Reporting animal cruelty makes children safer

Source: The post on Child Abuse has been created on the article “Reporting animal cruelty makes children safer” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

News: The article discusses the issue of child abuse in India and the various factors contributing to its prevalence. It also highlights the importance of understanding the link between animal cruelty and child abuse.

In India, child abuse is grave and rampant. According to a 2007 Report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development on child abuse in India:
i. 2 out of every 3 children were physically abused.
ii. Over 50% of children reported having faced sexual abuse.
iii. Nearly 50% of children reported facing emotional abuse.

What are the reasons behind child abuse in India?

1. Structure and size of the family: Traditional Indian families often have hierarchical structures where elders wield significant authority. This power dynamic can sometimes lead to harsh disciplinary measures, sometimes bordering on abuse. In larger families, children may face neglect, making them more vulnerable to abuse.
2. Lack of effective implementation of the law: Weak implementation of laws and inadequate support systems for victims can hinder the prevention of child abuse cases.
3. Poverty: Economic instability often leads families to struggle to meet basic needs. Poverty can exacerbate stressors within a household, making children more vulnerable to neglect or abuse.
4. Lack of Awareness: Many might not recognize certain behaviors as abusive or might not know where to seek help.
5. Cultural factors: Traditional beliefs and societal norms might normalize certain forms of abuse or dismiss them as disciplinary actions. These norms can sometimes perpetuate the idea that children are the property of their parents and subject to their will.
6. Illiteracy: Limited education and awareness about child rights, parenting practices, and the impact of abuse can contribute to its prevalence.
7. Gender inequality: Deep-rooted gender biases and discrimination can lead to differential treatment of boys and girls, leaving some children more susceptible to various forms of abuse.

However, an aspect not discussed on child protection in India is the link between victims of child abuse and animal cruelty.

How are animal cruelty and child abuse linked?

Various studies have highlighted an undeniable link between animal cruelty and child abuse. Their findings include:

1. Children are at risk of abuse or neglect in households that abuse their family pet.
2. In a New Jersey (U.S) study, animal abuse and child abuse co-occurred in 88% of the cases.
3. Threats and violence towards animals are used as a means to coerce children into compliance so that they do not report the abuser.

This shows that both human and animal victims of crime are prone to victimisation by the same perpetrator. Understanding this important link can stop the cycle of violence at its source and help make our children safer.

What should be done?

Early identification of homes with animal abuse: Animal abuse is easier to detect than child abuse and is also usually easier for victims of domestic violence (including children) to report. This may save other human victims encountering abuse. This can also serve as circumstantial evidence in custody and child abuse hearings.

Empirical Studies: There is a strong link between animal cruelty and child abuse but there are no studies that empirically assesses this link in India.

Collection of Data: NCRB does not collect data on offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The collection and aggregation of this data can prove to be a significant tool for law enforcement agencies.

Enforcing Anti-Cruelty laws: Reporting animal abuse and consistently enforcing anti-cruelty laws can act as a deterrent for further acts of violence against not only animals but also humans.

Collaboration by Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the child protection and animal protection movements should collaborate to meet their collective objective of reducing abuse.

Question for practice:

A plethora of challenges have continued to impact the physical, emotional and mental well-being of children in India. In this context, highlight the factors responsible for prevailing child abuse in India.