Causes of child sexual abuse

More and more paedophilia and child sexual abuse cases are being reported but the phenomena are more complex than the public believes. The certainty of punishment, more than its severity, may be a deterrent.

HOW RAMPANT IT IS

EVERY 2ND CHILD IN INDIA IS BEING EXPOSED TO ONE OR THE OTHER FORM OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND EVERY 5TH CHILD FACES CRITICAL FORMS OF IT. THEY ALL ARE IN NEED OF PROTECTION. A STUDY BY THE NATIONAL STUDY ON CHILD ABUSE ( 2007) REPORTED:

53.18%

children in the family environment not going to school reported facing sexual abuse.

49.92%

children in schools reported facing sexual abuse.

61.61%

children at work ( Shop, factory or other places) reported facing sexual abuse.

54.51%

children on the streets reported facing sexual abuse.

47.08%

Sexual abuse

20.90%

of all children were subjected to severe forms of sexual abuse that included sexual assault, making the child fondle private parts, making the child exhibit private body parts and being photographed in the nude.

REASONS FOR PREVALENCE OF CSA IN INDIA

In Indian context, Child Sexual Abuse ( CSA) is snowed under many different suppositions and oppositions. Some assumptions are: Out of sheer curiosity children must have asked for sexual contact. Sexual abuse is part of the process of growing up and does not lead to any negative consequences. Very young children cannot be abused sexually. Boys cannot be abused, only poor are abused. Women being the caregivers can never be offenders etc. The reality contradicts these assumptions. Nonetheless, after trying to make people constantly aware of these facts, the myths prevail. Adults of our society are interpellated with many unacceptable stereotypical messages and the same is passed to future generations. Child sexual abuse in India thrives on this very mentality. Parents have no idea how adversely this crime can affect children in their adulthood.

BREAK THE SILENCE

Despite the harsh statistics, currently there are only four organisations in India working on the issue in a determined manner. Hence, the need is great to make people aware about this issue and talk more about it openly. Getting involved in the fight against sexual abuse is the only way to prevent it. We must raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults about preventive steps, recognise and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse.