Spotting the Signs: How to Recognize and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a grave violation of a child's rights that involves sexual activity with a minor. A child is incapable of providing consent to any form of sexual activity under any circumstances. Any engagement in sexual acts with a child constitutes a crime with profound and lasting impacts on the victim's physical and mental well-being.

To address the serious issues of child sexual abuse and exploitation with clear and stringent legal measures, the Ministry of Women and Child Development introduced the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. This Act is a comprehensive law designed to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography. It also establishes Special Courts to expedite the trial of such offences and ensures the safety, security, and dignity of children. The Act was amended in 2019 to impose stricter punishments for various offences, thereby strengthening the legal framework to deter perpetrators and ensure justice for victims.

Timely reporting is not just a moral obligation but a legal one under the POCSO Act. Section 19 of the Act mandates any person aware of an offence to report it, and failure to do so under Section 21 may result in six months' imprisonment and/or a fine. However, children themselves cannot be punished for not reporting abuse. The law also ensures the protection of the child during legal proceedings by requiring their evidence to be recorded within 30 days and the trial to be completed within one year. Proceedings will be conducted in camera and in the presence of a trusted adult to provide a supportive environment for the child.

Recognizing the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Children who experience abuse may exhibit behavioural, physical, and verbal cues that signal distress. Behavioural changes can include avoidance or fear of physical contact, regressive actions like thumb-sucking, shifts in hygiene habits, age-inappropriate sexual behaviours, and disturbances in sleep patterns. Physical signs, although less common, may involve bruising or swelling near the genital area, unexplained physical injuries, or bloodstains on clothing. Verbal cues often manifest through language or expressions inappropriate for their age, unexplained silence, withdrawal, or sudden reluctance to communicate. Recognizing these signs is crucial as many children may not disclose abuse due to fear, shame, or threats from the abuser.

Responding to Abuse

Children often face significant challenges when it comes to speaking out about abuse. Fear of negative consequences, feelings of shame, and concerns about confidentiality can prevent them from sharing their experiences. It is crucial for those who work with children to recognize the signs of abuse, understand the disclosure process, and respond appropriately. Disclosure is the process through which children and young people share their experiences of abuse with others. This process can be gradual, unfolding over an extended period rather than through a single statement or event. Some children may delay disclosing abuse for a long time, while others may never verbally communicate their experiences despite wanting to do so. Regardless of how or when disclosure occurs, it must always be taken seriously.

How Disclosure Happens

Children may disclose abuse in various ways:

• Direct Disclosure: Explicit verbal statements describing what has happened to them.

• Indirect Disclosure: Ambiguous statements or hints suggesting something is wrong.

• Behavioural Disclosure: Changes in behaviour that signal distress or abuse, whether intentional or not.

• Non-Verbal Disclosure: Attempts to communicate through writing, drawings, or other forms of expression.

It is important to note that children may not always be aware that their behaviour or statements are indicative of abuse. Additionally, they may offer partial disclosures, revealing only some aspects of their experiences while withholding others due to fear, shame, or the need to protect themselves.

Barriers to Disclosure

Children may encounter numerous barriers that may prevent them from disclosing abuse. Some common obstacles include:

• Fear of Consequences: Concerns about getting themselves or their family into trouble.

• Feelings of Shame and Guilt: Internalized blame, often exacerbated by victim-blaming language.

• Isolation: A sense of being alone or unsupported.

• Fear of Negative Reactions: Worrying about how parents, caregivers, peers, or professionals will respond.

• Confidentiality Concerns: Anxiety about who will learn about their disclosure and how it will be handled.

• Embarrassment: Reluctance to discuss private or personal matters with adults.

• Distrust in Services: Lack of confidence in the people and systems intended to provide support.

• Overwhelming Procedures: Feeling intimidated by formal investigation processes.

• Limited Awareness of Support: Not knowing where to turn for help or how to access available services.

Responding to Disclosures

Three key interpersonal skills help a child feel they are being listened to and taken seriously:

• Show you care, help them open up: Give your full attention to the child and keep your body language open and encouraging. Be compassionate, be understanding, and reassure them their feelings are important. Phrases such as 'you've shown such courage today' help.

• Take your time, slow down: Respect pauses and don't interrupt the child – let them go at their own pace. Recognize and respond to their body language and remember that it may take several conversations for them to share what's happened to them.

• Show you understand, reflect back: Make it clear you're interested in what the child is telling you. Reflect back what they've said to check your understanding – and use their language to show it's their experience.

Supporting Children Through the Disclosure Journey

Professionals working with children must be equipped to handle disclosures with care and sensitivity. This includes:

• Listening Without Judgment: Allowing children to share their experiences in their own time and words.

• Providing Reassurance: Affirming that the child is not at fault and that help is available.

• Reporting abuse: Reporting the abuse to the relevant legal/organisational authorities as per policies and legal frameworks and keeping the child informed of the same.

• Maintaining Confidentiality: Respecting the child's privacy while following legal and organizational protocols for reporting abuse.

• Acting Responsibly: Taking every disclosure seriously and ensuring appropriate action is taken to protect the child.

• Ongoing Support: Offering continuous emotional and practical assistance throughout the disclosure and any subsequent investigation.

Understanding the complexities of abuse disclosure is crucial for anyone working with children. By recognizing the diverse ways children may communicate their experiences and the barriers they face, professionals can create environments where children feel safe, heard, and supported. Responding with care, sensitivity, and appropriate action not only validates the child's courage but also plays a crucial role in their healing journey.

A sustained commitment to fostering trust, maintaining confidentiality, and providing continuous support ensures that every child has the opportunity to speak out and receive the protection and care they deserve. By being vigilant, empathetic, and proactive, we can help create a safer world where every child’s voice is valued and their well-being is prioritized.

Dr. Neha Sunil P

Lead- Child Protection (POCSO), Counselling, and Safeguarding