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Child Sexual Abuse By A Family Member

Last updated on May 11, 2022

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

When a child is sexually abused by a family member, they face a more severe punishment than someone who is not a family member since they are in a position of authority and trust to the child. A family member of a child can include anyone1:

  • Related to them by blood, adoption, marriage, guardianship, or foster care; or
  • Someone who has a domestic relationship with the parents or child; or Family members living in the same house as the child.

Depending on the type of crime committed, the punishment will vary for the family member.2

If a child is being sexually abused by a family member or someone knows about a child being sexually abused in the family, report the crime to the police.

  1. Section 5(n) & 9(n), The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.[↩]
  2. Section 6 & 10, The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.[↩]

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