In 2014, most calls reported child abuse

Majority of the intervention calls to 1098 from Bengaluru in 2014 were to seek help against child abuse. This constituted 43 per cent of the calls, which included both cases of sexual and physical abuse.

George P.S., Director, Childline BOSCO, said there has been a huge increase in the number of calls made to report sexual abuse. “After July, we have seen a huge spurt in such cases. This is because of the increased awareness to highlight issues pertaining to sexual abuse,” he said.

While all sexual assault cases are booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 after the police take up

suo motu cases, many cases that include child labour and missing complaints are not converted into police complaints.

Fr. George said the childline staff registered a complaint under their own names if the cases are “serious”, particularly regarding child labour and child marriage.

“If a child has to get justice, there is a need for a police case. It is best if the police take up suo motu action in such cases,” he said. Another matter of concern, Fr. George alleged, was that collaborative efforts by the departments of police, labour and women and child development were not effectively carried out. Many calls are received to report begging. “As there is no mechanism to address this social problem, they are rescued but immediately released and are found begging again,” he said.

43 p.c. of the calls were related to sexual and physical abuse