Under reporting of child sexual abuse- The barriers guarding the silence
Journal Title: Telangana Journal of Psychiatry - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 2
Abstract
Underreporting of Child Sexual Abuse CSA is rampant in India despite which India has the highest number of CSA cases in the world the ramifications of which are enormous Other than the obvious reasons of stigma and fear of the perpetrator multiple other factors come into play such as attitudes and responses of guardians which themselves prevent children from reporting and may even lead to retraction of the disclosure The Indian cultural etiquette strongly advocates obedience towards older individuals which may result in the child acquiescing to the perpetrators demands The fear of legal entanglements discourages guardians from seeking legal assistance In spite of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act of 2012 emphasizing the role of medical professionals in mandatory reporting of CSA there is no further social support made available by the Government for use by victims postreporting The stigmatization powerlessness traumatic sexualization and betrayal experienced by the child lead to significant negative consequences which are often long lasting and alarming This article touches upon the obvious as well as inconspicuous causes of underreporting challenges faced and long term implications for the victims Also suggestions to minimize the incidence of CSA and its attendant consequences are discussed like conceptualization of a multiagency multitier team approach consisting of medical legal and supportive aspects addressing the root causes of childhood maltreatment like poverty and environmental safety besides raising public awareness by sensitizing general public and training children to identify CSA through creative and culturally popular methodsKeywords Child sexual abuse Underreporting POCSO Act Childhood maltreatment
Authors and Affiliations
Suhas Chandran, Smriti Bhargava, Kishor M
Keywords
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- EP ID EP491349
- DOI 10.18231/2455-8559.2018.0003
- Views 97
- Downloads 0
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