Childsexual abuse (CSA) has been identified as a serious public health concern.
This issue has been a global challenge. The World Health Organization (WHO)[1] defines CSA as a coercive act with a child who is unable to comprehend or provide
consent, leading to serious physical or psychological damage. CSA includes sexual activities
like inappropriate touching of private parts or indulging the child in touching the private
parts of the perpetrator, molestation, sodomy, exhibitionism, pornography, and cybersexual acts.[2] It is considered offensive in every culture.Prevalence rates of CSA range from 8% to 31% for females and 3% to 17% for males.[3] The highest rates have been reported for boys (<18 years) in Africa, i.e., 19.3% and
for girls, in Australia, i.e., 21.5%. Asia has the lowest rates both 11.2% for girls and 4.1%
for boys.[4]CSA is linked with an adverse impact on the child’s normal development and maturation.[5] It also affects neurobiological systems and endocrinological profiles. Such trauma
experienced during the abuse has lifetime ramifications. The CSA survivors are at greater risk
of developing psychiatric disorders, such as personality disorders. Moreover, the most common
sequelae for adult survivors include developing into perpetrators and increased risk for
relational violence.[5] About 37% of India’s population comprises children under 18, with a large proportion of
them lacking basic nutrition, education, and access to health services. Around 53% of Indian
children reported experiencing different kinds of abuse, which included being forced to nude
photography, assault, inappropriate touching, and sexual abuse.[6]
CSA During the Lockdown: Challenges and Possible Solutions
The pandemic situation is moving fast toward “an emerging social crisis.” According to the
American Psychological Association, there has been a spike in cases of intimate partner
violence and child abuse in the USA during this “lockdown.” The key risk factors include
overstressed caregivers becoming violent or abusive due to economic crisis and children’s
restricted mobility as the schools are closed. The children are struggling to cope with an
alternative lifestyle and the trauma experienced due to these increasing incidents.[7] The Childline India Foundation reported a 50% increase in the phone calls than usual
days in the last two weeks of the lockdown. Out of the total calls received during the
period, 30% were related to protection from abuse.[8] During lockdown, CSA can be devastating as the isolation has further limited support
networks, making it even more difficult for the victims to seek help or escape. When the
data reveals that 93% of perpetrators are relatives or known individuals,[8] this also exposes the possible magnitude of the associated helplessness and mental
health consequences in the victims. Another related alarming fact is that the vulnerable
population is among the homeless, rag pickers,[9] and those who beg on the streets. Thousands are being exploited in exchange for a
meal or a daily wage just enough to sustain their livelihood. A more pathetic aspect of the
scenario, as reported by The Childline India Foundation, is the regularly received “silent
calls” in the helplines where the child behind the call would not know “what /how to express”.[9]To combat this broader “child rights crisis,” UNICEF has recommended and emphasized the
need for proper circulation of information and services available for protection of children
from violence, abuse, and neglect during COVID-19 via text messages, educational platforms,
and social media. Telecounselling services are also recommended to be made available like
online classrooms. Positive, nonviolent parenting and stress management self-help guides are
required to be provided to parents. Social and community workers are suggested to be
involved to ensure child protection services in fragile contexts and humanitarian crises.[10] UNICEF has also recommended child and family courts and juvenile justice boards to
remain functional as an essential service and to hold emergency hearings and execute court
orders for the care and protection of children who are at immediate risk of neglect or
abuse, obviously taking appropriate social distancing measures.[10]The data are alarming, and the scenario with respect to CSA is frightening. Children are
the future of human civilization. Protecting their basic rights is of utmost concern. When
their safety is at stake even at home, which is supposedly the safest shelter, and that too
during this tough time, it indicates immediate concerns and measures for intervention are of
paramount significance. This calls for the implementation of legislative actions and
community-based interventions through virtual media to prevent a further rise in the
statistics and to ensure child protection. Otherwise, this would leave a regressive
impression about the present and become a substantial threat to the future. The situation is
challenging; thus, collaborative efforts may help to unveil a better tomorrow.