Blackmailing a Child and Sexual Harassment

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Trigger Warning: The following content contains information on sexual and physical violence which some readers may find disturbing.

If someone threatens a child or records((Section 11(v), The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.)) any sexual act done to a child, then anyone including the parents can complain against them. Blackmailing a child is a punishable crime punishable under the law with jail time of three years and/or a fine.(( Section 12, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.))

For example, if Seema’s tuition teacher has sexually abused her, recorded a video of it and blackmails her parents for favours or money, then the parents should immediately complain to the police and other authorities who will take action.

Anyone can call the police to report the blackmail and the sexual abuse itself. Under the law, instances of blackmailing are classified as a crime of sexual harassment.(( Section 11, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.)) The punishment is jail time of two years and/or a fine.(( Section 503 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.))

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