Child sexual abuse: A progressive social disorder

Pages: 651-661
K. Bhuvaneswari and Sibnath Deb (Department of Applied Psychology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry)

Children need to be cared for and protected for the formation of a robust nation. The rampant increase in incidence of child sexual abuse becomes a major apprehension for all stakeholders in society. Child sexual abuse is viewed as Progressive Social Disorder as there are many hurdles which the child, family and community find difficulty to come out from, which is augmented by recurrence of abuse on the same victim and on different victim by same offender or by different offender. The consequences of sexual abuse on the child include short-term and long-term impact on the developmental aspects of the child throughout their lifespan. A model for combating the disorder has been developed. Prevention, Justice and Rehabilitation entailing equal significance by stakeholders, is required towards creation of healthy and safe haven for the future of the nation.