Study throws shocking light on child abuse

By Hasan Suroor

LONDON, NOV. 25. A study, which has shocked sociologists and upset conventional notions about child abuse, shows that more often, children are victims of their own siblings rather than a step-father or a distant male relative.

The study, described as the most comprehensive ever in the U.K., has found that ``sibling'' abuse is twice as high as abuse by a father or a step-father, contradicting the belief which has tended to demonise the latter. Nearly 43 per cent of the victims identified a brother or a step-brother as the perpetrator, while only 19 per cent accused their step-father and 14 per cent pointed the accusing finger at the father.

The survey, conducted by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, covered 2,894 people in the 18 to 24 age group, all of whom had been sexually abused as children. The ``abusers'' are said to be between 10 and 14 and their victims generally five years younger. Contrary to the general impression, boys were found to be as vulnerable to abuse as girls. Many girls said they were abused by a male relative, most often a step- brother. The survey team was shocked to hear some girls say they were abused by a brother.

The findings have provoked a debate with experts calling for a ``fundamental rethink'' on the nature of child abuse and how to cope with it. They said the trauma of child abuse generated ``predatory'' instincts in many of the victims, and was one of the most significant causes of ``sexual aggression'' among young people. The trauma also results in stunted growth leading to learning difficulties, ``poor social skills'' and other post- traumatic disorders,, according to specialists quoted in The Independent on Sunday.

The reason for the widespread child abuse is said to be the victims' fear of consequences of exposing their perpetrators and even when the truth comes out, the parents try to hush it up because of the social stigma attached to it.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : International
Previous : Abnormality found in Mandela's blood
Next     : Romania goes to polls today