Violation of Children's Rights: Can Forensic Medicine Help?

“Today's child is tomorrow's citizen” so goes a popular saying, stressing the need for proper care and protection of the children. India has ratified the UN convention on the Rights of Child, which came into force on 2nd September 1990 and our own National Policy for Children was adopted way back in 1974. However, if we look at the outcome of all the measures that have been taken “on paper” the record is dismal. Child abuse goes unabated in our country, right in front of the eyes of the Law. The present study was undertaken to assess whether our specialty - Forensic Medicine - can bring to focus the atrocities perpetuated on children. During the 5-year period of the study, 155 cases were examined medicolegally in the Emergency department of the Govt. Medical College Hospital, Sector 32, Chandigarh; of which 6% were referred for medicolegal autopsy. Physical abuse accounted for 70% cases and sexual for 30%; the police brought 61 % of the children to the hospital. Boys were more at risk in cases of physical abuse, however of the cases of sexual abuse, 23% were boys. Maximum cases of abuse - both physical and sexual occurred at the home/neighborhood of the victim. It was concluded that the society as a whole, including the Govt. NGOs, Parents, teachers, elders etc. has the responsibility for the proper upbringing of the child and until and unless all of us shoulder the responsibility with sincerity, the children will continue to be abused.