12.5 per cent of kids victims of sex abuse: Sahyadri Neuro-Psychiatric Association

Shivamogga: A recent sample survey conducted by Sahyadri Neuro-Psychiatric Association, the Shivamogga chapter of Indian Psychiatric Society, shows that 12.5 per cent of children below 18 were subjected to some form of sexual abuse. The survey was conducted by a team of psychiatrists, led by Dr Harish Delantabettu.

A 20-point questionnaire prepared on the basis of the POCSO Act was distributed among 1,336 children for their feedback. Of these, 551 were boys, 770 were girls and 15 respondents did not answer. The respondents comprised children from urban and rural areas studying in government and private education institutions.

Of the 1,336 children surveyed, 165 (97 boys and 68 girls) admitted to have been subjected to sexual abuse, which included being inappropriately touched, photographed nude, forced to watch porn films and subjected to intercourse.

On the source of sexual abuse, Mr. Delantabettu said in 32 cases they were friends, in 19 cases they were brothers and sisters, in 18 cases they were relatives, in 15 cases parents themselves and in 54 cases others including adults with whom they were familiar or unfamiliar. He said 78 children or 51.7 per cent of the total number of victims preferred to remain silent on the abuse while 26 revealed their ordeal to their parents and five to their siblings.

The misconception that a major proportion of the victims of child sexual abuse were girls has been proven wrong by the survey. Mr Delantabettu also underscored the need to organise awareness programmes on campuses.