An analytical study of reported data on child cruelty (In relation to 2020-2025 complaints reported to the National Child Protection Authority)

Abstract

Background: The Penal Code (Amendment) Act (No. 22 of 1995) under Section 3 of Section 308A makes cruelty to children a criminal offence. This law states that any person in custody, charge, or care of a child under eighteen years of age who willfully assaults, ill-treats, neglects, or abandons the child, or causes or procures such actions, is guilty of child cruelty. Such actions may result in suffering or injury to the child's health, including physical or mental harm, and may lead to imprisonment for a term not less than two years and not exceeding ten years. Additionally, the offender may be fined and ordered to pay compensation to the victim. Results: This study analyzes complaints related to child cruelty reported to the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) over the last five years, with a focus on the new trends in cruelty complaints. Data for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 shows that cruelty-related complaints have been on the rise, with 2,237 complaints reported in 2020, 2,741 in 2021, and 2,096 in 2022. In 2023, 2,238 complaints were reported, followed by 1,950 in 2024, according to the NCPA's annual reports. Complaints of cruelty remain the highest among various categories of child abuse. However, a reduction in the number of cruelty-related complaints in 2024 may indicate an improvement in awareness regarding child protection. Notably, abuses of cruelty by teachers, principals, drunken fathers or stepfathers in schools, and guardians in orphanages have been prevalent in past years. Currently, there is a decrease in the reporting of complaints in this regard. Conclusion: This can be attributed to the growing awareness among children about cruelty and anti-cruelty measures. So, children are now more actively taking steps to prevent abuse. This shift marks a positive trend and highlights the increasing effectiveness of child protection efforts in the community.