INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Despite its high prevalence, violence against children is often hidden, unseen or under-reported. It is not widely acknowledged or understood. Child Sexual Abuse occupies a unique space where there are selective denial and acceptance. It is both recognized (happens with ‘others’) and denied (does not happen with my child by my family members) simultaneously. There is silence around the issue of Child Sexual Abuse that stems from the fear of shame, denial and social stigma and the foundational belief in the family being sacred and family honour being supreme. Along with this, the belief that children are the property of their parents and power differentials based on socio-economic condition, caste, class, religion, sexual preferences make children vulnerable to sexual abuse. Several studies across the globe have made a strong connection between Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and the associated health burden. While the impact of the abuse can vary based on a variety of parameters, CSA has consistently been found to impact the life of the child at the physiological, psychological and social levels and impact sexual behavioural patterns in adulthood. In India, such topics are rarely discussed openly and are frequently seen as a societal taboo. Most families seek to keep such situations hidden, maybe to protect the child's interests. To prevent the trials, all elements of society must be made aware of the situation, and the court system must be overhauled.

Keywords: Child abuse; psychological; sexual; crime; juvenile; victims