Do children have rights? A child has rights, and the family, society, and state have a corresponding obligation to protect these rights in order to allow the child to develop in a healthy manner, so as for holistic development. What is Child Sexual Abuse? Child sexual abuse can be defined as any form of children for sexual gratification of adults. Sexual abuse is sexual victimization through a sexual encounter. This article will address the function and role of POCSO and Church Response.
- Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act: To tackle the increasing rates of child sexual abuse and the inadequacies of the existing legal system, the protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, was enacted in 2012. This Protection (POCSO) Act represents a pivotal milestone in India’s legislative framework for safeguarding children against sexual abuse and exploitation. In India, child sexual abuse represents a significant social and legal issue that greatly affects the rights and well-being of children. Numerous incidents remain unreported due to cultural taboos, social stigma, and a lack of awareness that often hinder discussions about this issue. The Act provides a comprehensive legal structure that classifies offenses into three types: sexual harassment, penetrative assault, and involvement of minors in pornography. The POCSO Act has transformed India’s legal approach to child sexual crimes by enforcing strict penalties and mandating reporting, ensuring support and justice for victims.
- Key Provisions of the POCSO Act: The POCSO Act provides a comprehensive framework to address various forms of sexual offenses against children. These offenses are categorized as: (a) Penetrative sexual assault: This encompasses crimes that involve objects or other body parts and is characterized by the penetration of any part of a child’s body with a sexual intent. (b) Non-Penetrative Sexual Assault: This type encompasses sexual assault actions that do not involve any form of penetration. (c) Sexual Harassment: This refers to actions or signals aimed at a child that are of a sexual character and can be verbal, physical, or nonverbal. (d) Child Exploitation for Pornography: This renders it unlawful for minors to produce, share, or view pornographic content.
- Child-Friendly Procedures: The Act introduces various child-friendly measures to reduce the suffering that child victims experience during court proceedings: (a) Special Courts: Established explicitly to manage POCSO cases to expedite the legal process and reduce delays. (b) In-Camera Trials: To ensure the safety and mental well-being of the victim, proceedings occur in a confidential setting. (c) Child Anonymity or Confidentiality of victim’s identity: Section 23 of the POCSO Act prohibits disclosure of the victim’s identity in any form of media, except when permitted by the special courts established under the act. A violation of this section can attract punishments under the act.
This is how we see the POCSO Act, has given so many preventive measures to address the problems and issues for the protection of a child from sexual crimes. However, these issues are continuously increasing in our society today particularly in Nagaland. In this regard we have to understand the biblical teaching and the responsibility of Church. - Biblical Teachings on Protection of Sexual Offenses: The Bible addresses issues of harm and injustice, providing guidance on sexual abuse and its consequences. The Old Testament reflects a worldview that emphasizes human dignity and the necessity of justice. Several key passages illustrate the severity of sexual violence: few passages are mentioned in this article. (a)Value of Human Dignity: The Bible emphasizes the inherent worth of every person. As Genesis 1:27 states that humans are created in God’s image. This declaration affirms that everyone deserves respect and protection. (b) Unlawful Sexual Relationships, mentioned in Leviticus 18:6-23. (c)Condemnation of Violence: Scriptures consistently condemn acts of violence and injustice. According to Proverbs 3:31 warns against envying the violent and choosing any of their ways, highlighting a moral obligation to protect others. (d) Justice and Accountability: The Bible calls for justice and accountability regarding sexual abuse. In Deuteronomy 22:25-27, specific laws denounce sexual violence, emphasizing the need for justice for victims. It indicates that God values fairness and condemns wrongful actions. (e)Support for the Vulnerable: Several passages encourage care for the vulnerable. For example, Matthew 18:10 speaks of angels protecting children, urging believers to take responsibility for safeguarding the innocent. Children, being innocent and vulnerable, require special attention and care (Psalm 82:3).
God hears the desire of the humble, including children who are vulnerable to abuse. He will strengthen and protect the fatherless from the wicked who would take advantage of them (Psalm 10:17-18, Deut. 10:17-19).
Jesus’ teaching prioritizes love and respect for others, which creates a framework for addressing sexual abuse. In Matthew 18:6 warns against causing harm to the vulnerable, emphasizing the divine seriousness of leading someone astray or harming their dignity. We also see another point that 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 calls for purity and respect in sexual relationships, highlighting personal accountability and mutual consent. Moreover, in Galatians 6:2, it encourages bearing one another’s burdens, promoting community support for those affected by sexual abuse. The Bible provides guidance on responding to sexual abuse, emphasizing human dignity and the necessity of justice and healing. Children are often vulnerable, and it is our duty as Christians to ensure their safety and wellbeing. - Church Responses to Child Sexual Issues: What is the response of the church as we are facing the issues of child sexual abuse? The cases of child sexual offences are slowly increasing each year. In this regard, what is the part of the church to play? In response to allegations of abuse, the Church has a number of options to address these crimes.
However, in most cases, no significant actions are taken into consideration. - Church can Collaborate with Local Organizations focusing on Child Sexual Abuse Prevention. Providing prepared sermons to church members is not enough. The church needs to come out and take up active responses to protect children from sexual offenses.
- Church Establishing Child Reporter Centers: Setting up child-friendly reporting centers is beneficial for helping children to report their problems and issues. Faster handling of cases under the protection of children from sexual offences Act (POCSO) can provide timely justice to victims.
3, Church Assisting Child Help Lines: Church can help Child Help Line Services for the protection of a child. Thus, a strengthening Child Line service is also essential to provide immediate rescue, counseling, and emergency support for vulnerable children. - Church Becoming Vigilance of Social Issues and Evils: The church cannot be a sleeping church rather it needs to be alert and more vigilant than ever. Understanding the consequences of child abuse serves as a strong reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the children. Hence, the church re-ensuring safety policy for women and children is important.
- Organizing Seminar on Biblical Foundation of Moral Life for the Men in this Present Generation is the need of the hour. The biblical foundation of a moral life centers on humanity being created in the image of God, which is reflected in the characters of God by doing good things and living an acceptable life. A man’s sound moral health is defined by how he acts when no one is watching.
It is visible that women in this present generation are developing androphobia which is called fear of men due to unbelievable actions that some of the men are doing to women and children in our present context.
Though God has given huge responsibility to man to care, support and help possibly many men have failed to live. As a result they are losing their respect and honor due to a lack of morality or careless life that is happening like rapping, sexual abuse, and molestation even to children underage. Therefore, the church must take a step to bring transformation, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and women and also make a godly path for a better future.
Dr.Husazulu Chuzho Khamo
Academic Dean of
Discipleship Bible
College, Dimapur: Nagaland