Crimes against children have increased: Krishna Tirath

Crimes against children, including violence and sexual abuse, have increased over the years, Women and Child Development Minister Krishna Tirath informed parliament Monday.

Krishna Tirath said this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, referring to data maintained by the National Crime Records Bureau.

She said the government enacted a special law "Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012", which came into effect Nov 14 last year.

According to the new law, state governments have to prepare guidelines for non-governmental organisations, professionals and experts assisting a child in distress.

Following requests from several state governments, model guidelines have been developed by the women and child development ministry which can be adopted by them for better implementation of the Act.