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
Related Articles
- EP ID EP491349
- DOI 10.18231/2455-8559.2018.0003
- Views 87
- Downloads 0
Study of psychiatric morbidity in cancer patients- in teaching hospital
Introduction: Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Co morbidity of cancer and psychiatric disorders can be as a result of the disease itself or due to associated problems. Aim: To know the prevalence of psychiat...
Knowledge and attitude of mental health professionals towards psychodrama as a psychotherapeutic tool
Aim To understand the attitude and knowledge of mental health professionals towards psychodramaMaterials and Methods Knowledge and attitude towards psychodrama was studied during a basic psychodrama workshop for 30 menta...
Schizophrenia and Retinitis Pigmentosa - A case report
It is common for a psychiatrist to treat patients with co-morbid medical conditions. If there are co-existing sensory impairments like deafness or blindness, in the patients with the underlying psychiatric symptoms, then...
Plagiarism: Avoid it like the plague
Attitude towards suicide prevention among accredited social health activists (ASHAs): A study from rural part of Karnataka
Introduction Suicide is an increasingly important public health issue Considering the shortage of mental health professionals in India there is a need to integrate grass root health professionals in efforts at suicide pr...