ABSTRACT

Very little evidence is recorded about the children of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) all over the world till today. The Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) 1956 defines Commercial Sex Work as sexual exploitation or abuse of a person for commercial purposes or for considerations in cash or in any other kind. Children of commercial sex workers can be said to be the part of a struggling population. This chapter analyses the situation of the children of Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) based on the available literature, particularly in India. It looks at the children of CSWs in terms of their physical and mental health, safety, education, perception by the society, struggles faced by the children and also protective factors such as social or legislative factors. It was identified that the children face various issues resulting from the deep-rooted attitude of the society towards the profession of their mothers. The major supporting role played by the NGOs and the Government is also analysed. The chapter identifies a huge gap in the research related to the children of CSWs and possible recommendations are also provided.