Taming the Monsters

Many times, culprits could be those who were themselves victims of sexual violence, requiring handholding and education

- RAAVI BIRBAL

A serious call is needed for stringent penalties that would demolish the idea, in the minds of criminals, of indulging in child trafficking for sexual exploitation. Since even the longest of imprisonments are not creating an absolute deterrence, there is a need for even more severe penalties—perhaps even the death penalty. Perpetrators of these crimes are often serial offenders. To begin with, in cases where the victim children are voiceless—like infants or toddlers—when they are completely innocent, have no discretion, no power, no voice, and hardly any understanding, imposing capital punishment on the accused ought to be considered.

While the argument that keeping culprits alive and imprisoned is worse punishment may exist, the need for a stronger curb, widespread sensitisation, and the eradication of such inhuman individuals from our planet is imperative. Imagine any of us going through this as children, without even being able to express ourselves. Therefore, we need laws that completely knock down the very idea of a sex trade involving children.