Child Sex Abuse > Gujurat, India's Justice System may be best in the world for child sex abuse; Massachusetts - 7 Child Sex Abuse bills in danger as action stalled for decades

While western countries take months and even years to investigate and charge child sex abusers, under the POCSO Act, the Indian state of Gujurat has the process down to a few weeks making  it possibly the best in the world. Considering that India is one of the worst places in the world to be a girl-child, this has to be seen as a very positive step. It should also be seen as a great embarassment to the western world which could do so much better but for the fact that children don't vote and are, therefore, largely invisible to politicians.

6 Get 20-Year Jail Term In Different Child Sex Abuse Cases In Gujarat After Speedy Trial

The perpetrators were swiftly arrested and chargesheets were filed within three to five weeks, the government said in a statement.

India NewsPress Trust of IndiaUpdated: July 10, 2024 9:28 pm IST

Ahmedabad: 

Six individuals arrested recently for rape under the POCSO Act in different cases in Gujarat have been sentenced to 20 years in prison after effective investigation and swift trials, underscoring the state's zero-tolerance towards crimes against children, the government said.

Calling it a "significant milestone," the government highlighted the extraordinary efficiency of the Gujarat Police in ensuring speedy justice for the families of victims in five different cases registered under the Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences Act in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Kutch.

The perpetrators were swiftly arrested and chargesheets were filed within three to five weeks, the government said in a statement.

"Through their unremitting efforts and dedication, the police ensured prompt punishment of the perpetrators and prompt justice to the victim, thereby strengthening the state's commitment to the protection of children," it said.

The speedy disposal of these cases not only sends a strong message to the victims and their families but also to potential perpetrators about the state's zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children, it said.

It also sends a very important message to the victims and the potential victims, that someone is on their side.

This success is attributed to the proactive approach adopted by the Gujarat Police, including special training for officers and the formation of rapid response teams focused on child protection laws.

In one instance in Ahmedabad, the accused was arrested immediately, and a chargesheet was filed within 37 days. The city court subsequently sentenced the accused to 20 years in prison, the government stated.

Similarly, in Gandhidham (Kutch district) and Vadodara, efficient police investigations and chargesheet filings within 20 days of the crime led to the perpetrators receiving 20-year prison sentences.

In Surat, two accused were promptly arrested, and chargesheets were filed in just 26 days for a similar sexual offence against children. Both accused were sentenced to 20 years in prison. Another case in Bhuj (Kutch district) also resulted in the accused being sentenced to 20 years in jail, it added.

"In a series of recent cases, the Gujarat Police has demonstrated extraordinary efficiency in the investigation process. Timely filing of chargesheets has expedited the conviction of criminals," the government stated.

It underlines "the unwavering commitment of the police to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of children across the state, the government stated.

In addition to the stringent law enforcement, the government is working to enhance support systems for victims, including counselling services, legal aid and rehabilitation, it said.

Excellent! India, you are leading the world in this! 

Renewed push on Beacon Hill to pass sex abuse prevention bills in limbo for decades

By Kerry Kavanaugh, Boston 25 News

July 09, 2024 at 7:30 pm EDT

BOSTON — 25 Investigates’ reporting cited on Beacon Hill Tuesday as lawmakers and advocates push to pass a bevy of bills aimed at preventing child sex abuse in Massachusetts.

Our months of reporting on sex abuse in public schools were front and center during a legislative briefing calling for change.

“You either stand with children and survivors and justice. Or you don’t,” said Kathryn Rob, the National Director of the Children’s Justice Campaign, Enough Abuse.

I would take that one step further and say, “You either stand with children and survivors and justice. Or you stand in the way.”

Advocates and lawmakers once again coming together in their battle to prevent child sex abuse in the state. Many are fed up.

“You take legislative session after legislative session after legislative session not to do anything,” Robb said. “20 years, it’s time to make a change.”

Some in the room on Tuesday have been fighting to enact child abuse prevention bills for two decades and say Massachusetts is failing to keep up with important changes made in most other states.

For the last 12 months, 25 Investigates has not only documented cases of child sex abuse in Massachusetts public schools but the loopholes in the laws that seem to protect child predators. 25 Investigates reporting even cited during the legislative briefing.

“The information that, channel 25 Investigates came up with, was very compelling. And it continued to fuel those of us who are doing child advocacy work, to make sure that we get to the finish line this year,” said Jetta Bernier, Executive Director of MassKids and Enough Abuse.

“This is about preventing child sexual abuse. I don’t want to see any more victims,” said State Senator Joan Lovely. “I don’t want to see anybody else harmed.”

Unfortunately, that is an extremely naive statement. At best we can slow down the increase in child sex abuse, but that would be a start, better than nothing.

Lovely is not only the Assistant Majority Leader in the Massachusetts state senate, she’s also a survivor of child sexual abuse.

This session alone, Lovely has filed 7 pieces of legislation aimed at curbing child sex abuse; including one to eliminate the statute of limitations on reporting abuse. Right now, it’s age 53 in mass. 

The ‘Shield Act’ would require all youth serving organizations have clear abuse prevention polices in place. There’s one to require school districts to inquire with past employers about prior allegations of sexual misconduct before hiring someone. And, finally closing the age of consent loophole, criminalizing anyone in a position of trust and authority who has a sexual relationship with someone under the age of 19 or 22 for a person with special needs.

Currently, a sixteen-year-old in Massachusetts can legally consent to sexual intercourse.

25 Investigates brought the question around inaction on this issue to legislative leadership last fall.

Senate President Karen Spilka said lawmakers would take a good look at the proposed bills.

“We’re all very serious about this and we’re trying to make the difference in this term,” Lovely said.

The session officially ends July 31st. 25 Investigates will follow them and let you know if any of the sex abuse prevention bills gets to the floor for a full vote.

What a tragedy if they don't all get passed. Right now, they are so far behind India (see above story) in protecting children that it's shameful.