DR UBALDINA NORONHA
Two recent incidents in Goa have shaken the state, not merely because children were allegedly sexually abused, but because the accused occupied positions of trust.
In one case, the alleged abuser wore the uniform of the police; in the other, he was part of the daily journey between home and school. Both were adults whom children might reasonably believe they had to obey. Both incidents expose the uncomfortable truth that the greatest danger to a child is often an adult invested with authority.
India registered 1,87,702 cases of crime against children in 2024. Almost 37 per cent were sexual offences against children. The most disturbing statistic is that close acquaintances were the primary accused in 96.6 per cent of POCSO cases registered in 2024. This means that the abuser could have been a grandparent, parent, relative, neighbour, teacher, driver, coach, family friend or someone whose presence in the child’s life was considered normal.
While it may seem that there is an increase of such abuse cases, it is possible that abuse was rampant earlier and simply remained invisible; protected by shame and the power of adults over children.
Reported cases may reflect greater awareness, stronger laws, media attention and a growing willingness among survivors and families to speak. Many cases may still go unreported because for years, abuse remains hidden behind family honour, social stigma or the fear of retaliation. The child may be still innocent enough not to realise or verbalise the ongoing sexual abuse.
THE PERPETRATOR
The perpetrator is not always the monstrous stranger. Such abusers may be respectable, educated, religious, charming or even put themselves in positions of being useful to the family. Abusers often test boundaries gradually. They begin with attention, gifts, secrets, or “special” treatment. They may tell a child not to inform her parents, insisting that adults will misunderstand. This grooming makes children feel complicit, even though they are not. The abuser exploits dependence, affection, fear and the child’s limited understanding of sexuality.
THE WOUNDS
Effects of child sexual abuse can be psychological, physical, and social. A child may experience fear, anxiety, depression, shame, guilt, nightmares, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating and a loss of trust in others. Some become withdrawn, others become aggressive or unusually obedient. Some may come to blame themselves.
The deepest injuries are often invisible, triggering terror years later. The child may appear normal, attend school, smile and laugh while carrying a burden no child should have to carry. This is why we must never ask survivors why they did not speak sooner. Children cannot be expected to defeat manipulative adults. The better question is why the adults around them did not create a safe space to speak out.
THE CONDITIONING
Children are often raised to believe that elders are always right, must never be questioned nor offended. Obedience is praised as good upbringing for girls, in particular. This cultural conditioning can become a predator’s greatest advantage. A child trained to please adults come what may. Refusing a touch, a gift or a request is considered rude. They may fear that speaking out may draw angry reactions towards them or shame towards their families.
THE RESPONSIBILITY
We must teach children that kindness cannot be extended blindly to everyone. Being safe comes before being polite. A child should be able to refuse a chocolate, reject a hug, avoid a relative or ask for help without being scolded for bad manners.
Children need clear, repeated messages; their bodies belong to them. No one has the right to touch them in ways that make them uncomfortable. Secrets that cause fear or shame must be shared with a trusted adult.
Children must know that if one adult does not believe them, they should tell another. And adults must respond with a protective attitude and not with disbelief, interrogation or concern for reputation. Children must have a safe, confidential way to report abuse. Every disclosure must be treated with urgency and sensitivity.
The shame of child sexual abuse belongs to the perpetrator. Never to the child. Our duty is to make every child know that. One hundred per cent sure.
( The writer is Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, St Xavier’s College, Mapusa)
