Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) is largely a silent problem prevalent all over the country. Being a sensitive topic, it is rarely discussed openly. The legal machinery with respect to this issue is still primitive and definitely not sensitive to the victim. The social taboos about discussing sex with parents or informed adults only further complicate the matter. Therefore, there is a definite need to engage parents as well as conscientious individuals in a dialogue about preventing CSA and through them educate children about personal safety.
Most people are aware of Paedophilia (sexual crimes against children) than they are of CSA. It must be noted that paedophiles are those who are sexually attracted to children and commit sexual crimes against children in a systematic, often violent manner.
Child sexual abuse on the other hand is subtler and difficult to detect because the perpetrators could be family members, relatives, friends and other caregivers. It has manifold adverse effects on the child which could be physical, mental or emotional as well. A national study conducted in 2006, across the nation has brought forth startling revelations of around 53.22% of the children in our country undergoing some or the other kind of sexual abuse before they reach the age of 18 years. Source: Study On Chlid Abuse: India 2007 by India committee of the Netherlands)
