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Paromita Pain

Child sexual abuse is a crime that is often abetted, albeit unwittingly, by widespread ignorance.

Conservative estimates show that at least 40 per cent of all boys and girls will experience some form of sexual abuse before they reach their 18th birthday. Child sexual abuse (CSA) negatively impacts the most vulnerable section of society. At the Tulir Centre for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Sexual Abuse in Chennai, Vidya Reddy and Lois. J. Engelbrecht, together with other staff, dedicate themselves to create awareness about this pernicious threat to childhood.

Lois had set up similar centres in Manila, Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam when she lived there. Since she had spent her growing years in India, she felt it was important to open a centre here too. She says, "Sex abuse involves all kinds of exploitation."

Nature of abuse

CSA isn't restricted to social levels or any class. Lois says, "This is among the biggest misconceptions that people have. Middle class and those from higher social strata believe it is the poor and uneducated man's menace. Others believe that extended families protect children; only bad girls are victims; it doesn't happen in Indian societies; and only men can abuse women. The worst conviction is that boys can't be raped."

Statistics reveal the grim reality. As early as 1997, a study by RAHI, a Delhi-based organisation, focused on 1,000 English-speaking middle and upper class women living in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Goa. The findings showed that 50 per cent of the abuse took place when the children were under 12 years, 35 per cent had been abused between 12-16 years of age.

The same year, a survey conducted by Sakshi Violence Intervention Centre among 350 schoolgirls in New Delhi showed 63 per cent were exploited by family members, while nearly one-third said the perpetrator had been a father, grandfather or male friend of the family.

The aftermath

The physical fallout of abuse include pregnancy at a young age, and incidence of HIV and other STDs. Equally devastating are the cognitive and emotional impact. Says Lois, "Children are sometimes led to believe sex is love which lead some to behave very sexually. Often they become afraid of sex and make themselves ugly to avoid it. There is also a pervasive sense of powerlessness. Victims tend to think, `I am now dirty; it's my fault.' There is also a high correlation between drug, alcohol and sexual abuse."

Prompt action is crucial. Says Vidya, "Intervention involves removing a child from the abusive situation, reporting to authorities concerned, medical care and therapy, placement in safe environment, relevant redressal and, if possible, follow up care."

The young victims are counselled to help them deal with the trauma and the feeling of guilt and shame. One of the most neglected aspects, says Lois, is teaching the child what is appropriate sexuality. "They have to be re-taught what are appropriate touching and other apt behaviour." Lois emphasises, "When a child complains, listen and believe, for children never lie about such issues. Observe their playing patterns and behaviour, for a child too young to actually articulate it might exhibit it in behaviour."

There are the macro issues to be considered too. Vidya says, "Report it (the offence), so the chances of the offender repeating the crime are reduced or stopped." Whenever an offence is reported, it will not only spur awareness of the larger child protection issues but also highlight the need for suitable laws and policies."

Law and law-keepers

"The police are as cooperative as their situation, training and world view permit. They are usually responsive, as children are a non-controversial group," says Vidya.

There are no specific laws to deal with crimes against children that are committed by adults. "The criminal justice system is geared to dealing with adult victims and adult witnesses. There should be a special set of guidelines for child victims and witnesses, because of the trauma and vulnerability involved. It can be argued that there are not many cases which warrant this, but often people are so wary of the existing system they would rather not report a case, to avoid re-victimising the child," says Vidya.

A judgment of May 26, 2004, that directs lawyers to give questions in writing to the presiding officer, who will tone the language, if necessary, to protect victims from insensitive questions during trials, certainly fulfil existing lacunae to a great extent.

A programme of safety

Say No, Run & Tell for Pre-Schoolers is a book brought out in Malaysia for teachers. It believes that education and confidence-building measures are the key, as a confident child with high self-esteem tends to be less of a target. The book can be modified and used for older children too. Yet, teachers mustn't forget that personal safety is an ongoing process. For, as Lois says, "Sex abuse is not something accidental. It happens in a certain environment... We are embarrassed to talk about sex. We don't even teach children the proper name of their private body parts. The bullies who touch them expect this embarrassment to protect them. Children must realise it is important to tell, not necessarily the police, but some adult about it."

Picture by Shaju John

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