Boys Can Also Be Victims of Sexual Assault, Highlighting Cases under POCSO Act

Justice Devan Ramachandran said that victims of sexual assault can be men as well and not just women, adding that there has been an increase in cases where boys were victims of child sexual assault.

On Wednesday, the Kerala High Court made an observation acknowledging that instances of sexual assault extend beyond women to include men as well. Justice Devan Ramachandran emphasized orally that despite women constituting a significant majority of victims, the prospect of male victimization should not be discounted.

“Sexual assault is not confined to girls, it happens to boys also. It is rare but it is possible. I know that it is happening. But generally we take care of women. Generally, ninety-nine per cent of sexual assault victims for some reason are women,“ the judge remarked

During the consideration of a petition filed by a doctor challenging a prevailing protocol in Kerala, wherein only gynecologists, preferably female, are designated to examine victims of sexual assault, the presiding judge made an observation. The judge remarked that the protocol’s objective is to provide support to victims, predominantly women or girls in the majority of cases.

“I don’t know why you should be concerned. We are trying to give maximum support to the victim. It has nothing to do with you and everything to do with the victim,” Justice Ramachandran added while addressing the petitioner.

However, the Court duly recognized that individuals subjected to sexual assault may encompass men, while additionally observing a discernible escalation in cases wherein boys are identified as victims under the purview of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).

“Here, you have assumed that the victims are women. You should have qualified that the victims you refer to are women victims alone. There are men, young boys being abused. I have seen a couple of cases recently. There are more boys in POCSO matters these days,“ Justice Ramachandran said.

The Court ultimately consented to reconsider the issue on March 5, stating,

“You (petitioner-doctor) should take it as a social commitment. You should go even if you are called at night… I don’t find this protocol to be wrong but if there are any problems in the working of it, we can certainly iron it out,“ the judge said.