Child Sexual Abuse: Management and Prevention, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Child Sexual Abuse is an alarming reality and is being increasingly reportedin India as well as globally. Pediatricians and allied medical professionals are often the first point of contact with abused children and their families. They have a key role in detecting Child Sexual Abuse, providing immediate and long-term care and support to the victims and their families. India has adopted the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) in 2012. It is a comprehensive law on sexual abuse, which expands the scope and range of forms of sexual offences, makes reporting of abuse mandatory and defines guidelines for the examination of victims. Pediatricians and health care professionals need to acquire necessary expertise for clinical evaluation of child sexual abuse, and its prevention, management and reporting.