After a distressing surge following the Covid-19 pandemic, Ernakulam district in Kerala is witnessing a tentative decline in reported child abuse cases. The numbers, which had skyrocketed to a worrying peak in 2023, show a steady decrease over the past two years, offering a glimmer of hope to child protection authorities.
Post-Pandemic Spike and the Recent Decline
The trajectory of child abuse cases in Ernakulam reveals a troubling pattern linked to the pandemic. In 2016, the district recorded 224 abuse cases. This figure had fallen to 114 by 2019, indicating positive progress. However, the post-pandemic period saw a dramatic and alarming reversal.
By 2023, detections had surged to 483 cases, marking a staggering 116% increase from pre-pandemic levels. This sharp upward trend now appears to be plateauing. In 2024, the number of cases fell to 437, a decrease of 46 from the previous year. The downward movement continued into 2025, with 416 cases recorded up to November, keeping the annual total firmly below the 2023 high.
With an average of roughly 38 cases reported per month in 2025, the final tally for the year is expected to reflect this continued decline, signalling a potential shift in the district's child safety landscape.
Persistent Dangers in the Digital World
Despite the encouraging drop in overall numbers, child rights experts and officials caution that serious concerns remain, with the digital arena posing a significant and persistent threat. Minors falling prey to online relationships and exploitation continue to be a major worry for authorities.
Vincent Joseph, the former chairperson of the Ernakulam Child Welfare Committee who stepped down two months ago after a three-year tenure, highlighted a particularly distressing trend from his term. "During my tenure, there were dozens of cases where minors became pregnant. Some required medical termination, while others had to deliver. In several instances, the babies were surrendered for adoption," he revealed.
Joseph linked many of these cases to dysfunctional family settings. "There are parents who are separated, or who are together but emotionally distant. The parental discord creates a shortage of care and protection. Children fall for online traps because they're searching elsewhere for the love and attention missing at home," he explained.
He identified the increased use of digital devices after the pandemic as a key contributing factor. "The majority of victims, especially girls in Classes VIII to XII, met offenders through online chats. A joint effort by teachers and parents is essential. Reducing screen time and increasing quality family time can curb this problem," Joseph advised.
A Push for Child-Friendly Communities
In response to these ongoing challenges, child protection bodies are planning proactive measures. KV Manoj Kumar, the chairperson of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, announced an initiative to collaborate with newly elected local bodies.
The goal is ambitious: to transform all panchayats in the state into certified child-friendly zones. "Our goal is to implement Unicef-recognized guidelines in all panchayats. A curriculum developed with the Kerala Institute of Local Administration will train all panchayat representatives for this purpose," Kumar stated. This systematic approach aims to build a safer, more supportive environment for children at the grassroots level of governance.
While the declining statistics from Ernakulam provide a measure of relief, the consistent warnings from experts underscore that vigilance cannot waver. The dual strategy of strengthening family and community structures while combating online dangers appears to be the path forward for sustaining the positive trend in child protection.
