Six of 10 adolescent girls are sexually abused, reveals study

MUMBAI: Six out of 10 adolescent girls, who were randomly interviewed at public hospitals in the city, said they were sexually abused, according to a survey conducted by the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD).

The umbrella body of resident doctors interviewed 200 adolescent boys and girls between 15 and 20 years who had visited public hospitals to treat various medical problems.

Compared to girls, fewer boys – 35% — reported sexual abuse.

Another worrisome finding is that just 20% of the adolescents who faced sexual abuse reported it to their parents; others remained silent.

“Most parents were not even aware about the possibility of their children being abused,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, president of MARD. The association as a part of the ‘Good Touch Bad Touch’ campaign inter

who visited the hospital between December 15 and 30.

As a part of the survey, adolescents filled questionnaires that were later analysed by MARD.

“In all the cases, the abuser was known to the child,” said Dr Mundada. “Despite learning about the abuse, half of the parents did not act on the complaint ” he said dence of abuse among all eco nomic strata of the society is similar. “We estimate that one in every two children has faced sexual abuse. It is also com mon that the perpetrator is likely to be a person that is in a position to gain the trust of the child,” said Pooja Taparia founder and CEO of Arpan, a non-profit that works on the issue adding that boys are