An Overview of Child Abuse in India: The Role of Social Work

     Child abuse in India remains one of the most serious social welfare and human rights issues affecting the healthy growth and development of children. It exists in various forms such as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, child labour, trafficking, and exploitation, often hidden within families, schools, workplaces, and communities. Factors like poverty, illiteracy, domestic violence, alcoholism, gender discrimination, weak child protection systems, and social stigma contribute significantly to the continuation of abuse (Seth, 2015; UNICEF, 2021). The consequences are severe and long-lasting, affecting children physically, psychologically, emotionally, and socially, and often extending into adulthood (WHO, 2020).      Social work plays a vital role in addressing child abuse through prevention, identification, counselling, legal support, rehabilitation, family intervention, and policy advocacy. Social workers act as protectors, counsellors, coordinators, and advocates for child rights, ensuring safety and justice for vulnerable children (Bala & Garg, 2021). However, challenges such as underreporting, lack of trained professionals, poor institutional coordination, and inadequate rehabilitation services limit effective intervention. Therefore, stronger child protection systems, better implementation of laws, professional social work services, and collective responsibility from families, communities, and institutions are essential to create a safe and child-friendly society in India.

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