🔹 Definition of Violence Against Children (VAC)
Violence against children refers to all forms of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices against individuals below the age of 18, causing actual or potential harm to their health, development, dignity, or survival.
🔹 Major Types of Violence Against Children
Type of Violence Description Examples
1. Physical Violence Intentional use of force causing injury or harm Beating, slapping, kicking, corporal punishment
2. Emotional Abuse Verbal or symbolic acts that cause psychological trauma Threats, ridicule, isolation, name-calling
3. Sexual Abuse Involving a child in sexual activities Molestation, rape, sexual exploitation
4. Neglect Failure to provide basic needs and care Abandonment, lack of nutrition, denial of education
5. Online Abuse Violence via internet or digital platforms Cyberbullying, grooming, exposure to harmful content
6. Bullying (Offline/Online) Repeated aggressive behavior causing harm School bullying, social exclusion, trolling
7. Child Labor Exploitation Forcing children into work against their rights Domestic labor, factory work, street vending
8. Child Marriage Forcing a child into early marriage Dowry-linked abuse, early pregnancies, isolation
9. Trafficking Illegal movement for exploitation Begging, bonded labor, prostitution
🔹 Forms and Trends in Tamil Nadu
1. Abuse of Trust
• Children abused by parents, teachers, caretakers, or institutional authorities.
• Betrayal of trust leads to long-term psychological damage.
2. Discrimination
• Caste-based (Dalit, tribal children), gender-based (girls), disability-based.
• Leads to exclusion, verbal and physical abuse, denial of rights.
3. Drug Dependency
• Substance abuse among street children and adolescents.
• Common substances: alcohol, tobacco, inhalants.
• Causes: peer pressure, trauma, family neglect.
4. Online Abuse
• Increasing cases of cyberbullying, sextortion, grooming in Tamil Nadu.
• Children lack digital literacy; parents unaware of risks.
5. Suicidal Tendencies
• High rates among adolescents due to academic pressure, abuse, bullying.
• Linked to poor mental health support and societal expectations.
6. Intersectionality
• When multiple vulnerabilities (caste, gender, disability, poverty) overlap.
• Increases risk of violence and social exclusion.
🔹 Consequences of Violence on Children
Domain Impact
Physical Injuries, malnutrition, disabilities
Emotional Anxiety, depression, PTSD, suicidal thoughts
Educational Dropout, low achievement, absenteeism
Social Isolation, mistrust, aggression
Economic Continuation of poverty cycle, loss of future opportunities
🔹 Factors Leading to Vulnerability in Tamil Nadu
1. Poverty and unemployment
2. Lack of parental care (due to addiction, migration, single parenting)
3. Urban migration – slum children, street children
4. Discrimination and social exclusion
5. Cultural practices – early marriage, child labor, dowry
6. Weak institutional support – limited child protection services
7. Poor awareness about child rights and mental health
🔹 Root Causes of Violence Against Children
• Patriarchal mindset and normalization of harsh discipline
• Caste-based oppression and structural inequality
• Weak implementation of child protection laws
• Lack of education and awareness among parents
• Digital threats with little monitoring or control
• Stigma around mental health
• Inadequate government investment in child-focused programs
🔹 Key Laws and Child Protection Mechanisms in India
POCSO Act, 2012 Protection of children from sexual offences
Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 Care and protection of children in conflict with the law
Childline 1098 24x7 helpline for children in distress
RTE Act, 2009 Right to free and compulsory education
ICPS (Integrated Child Protection Scheme) Provides care, protection, and rehabilitation for children
🔹 Suggestions for Prevention and Protection
• Strengthen child protection systems (DCPUs, CWCs, Childline)
• Promote life skills education and emotional well-being programs in schools
• Raise awareness about children’s rights at the community level
• Train teachers, parents, police, and health workers on child sensitivity
• Improve access to mental health care and counseling
• Introduce digital safety education in schools
🔹 Conclusion
Violence against children in Tamil Nadu is a serious yet often invisible problem. Addressing it requires a combination of legal enforcement, social reform, institutional strengthening, and community participation. Every child deserves a life free from fear, harm, and discrimination. It is our shared responsibility to protect, nurture, and empower them.
Touch Below 👇 PDF Material
Unit 2 Child Rights (English)
CHILD RIGHTS - TAMIL MATERIALS