Thiruvananthapuram Records Highest Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Kerala for 2025
Child sexual abuse cases in Thiruvananthapuram district continue their alarming upward trend. According to fresh data from the state crime record bureau, the district registered 635 cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act during 2025. This marks a significant increase from the 602 cases documented in 2024.
Kerala Sees Overall Surge in Pocso Complaints
The figures reveal Thiruvananthapuram maintained its unfortunate position as the state leader in reported child sexual abuse cases for both years. Kerala as a whole is experiencing a concerning rise in such complaints. After data consolidation for December 2025 completes, likely by the first week of February, the total number of Pocso cases across the state is expected to surpass 4,600. In 2024, Kerala already recorded 4,594 child sexual abuse cases.
Other Districts Show High Numbers
Several other districts reported substantial case loads during 2025. Kollam documented 469 cases, while Malappuram followed with 440 cases. Kozhikode registered 430 cases, completing the list of districts with the highest reported incidents.
Most Accused Are Known to Survivors
R S Vijay Mohan, special prosecutor for Pocso cases in Thiruvananthapuram, shared disturbing insights. He stated that in nearly 70% of cases, the accused were relatives or persons known to the survivors. This troubling pattern indicates children face danger in environments traditionally considered safe.
"Our children are not safe in their own homes or in places where they should feel most protected," Mohan emphasized. "We urgently need police stations and schools to become more children-friendly. This will help survivors feel confident enough to report abuse."
The prosecutor noted that awareness programs in schools often uncover additional cases. "Teachers and staff frequently express fear about handling sexual abuse situations. That is precisely why we must create more secure environments in both educational institutions and police stations," he added.
Teen Relationships Contribute to Case Increase
Mohan identified another significant factor driving case numbers upward. A rise in consensual sexual activity among teenagers contributes to the increase, since such relationships fall under Pocso Act provisions when participants are below 18 years old.
"Many teenagers do not understand that sexual activity before age 18 lacks legal consent," he explained. "These situations often surface only when pregnancy or medical complications occur. We must educate children about the Pocso Act while raising general awareness."
Activists Highlight Changing Social Behavior
Child rights activists have observed shifting social patterns among teenagers. They warn that peer pressure and unrestricted social media use are emerging as serious risk factors.
Anson P D Alexander, director and founder of Kanal, a Kerala-based NGO focused on child welfare, provided detailed observations. "We see growing peer pressure pushing teenagers toward physical and intimate relationships," Alexander stated. "Social media platforms facilitate meetings with strangers that sometimes develop into relationships. Tragically, many incidents remain hidden until a crisis occurs or adults intervene."
Alexander stressed the need for open discussions about behavioral changes. "Most children possess limited understanding of sexual intercourse, protected sex, or intimacy. These conversations must happen in detail and with sensitivity," he concluded.
