Child sexual abuse (CSA) includes indecent exposure, intimidation, inappropriate physical contact and using a child in pornography.
In direct physical abuse, there are sub-categories such as peno-anal, peno-oral, non-penetrative abuse, or penetrative abuse — either through fingering or with objects — says forensics expert Jagadeesh.
Evidence is crucial
As the criminal justice system differentiates punishment depending on the kind of abuse, forensic evidence is important. Dr. Jagadeesh says collecting physical or psychological evidence from the child is essential.
Even if there is a gap of a few hours between the abuse and the examination, the possibility of detecting evidence is dim or might even disappear.
“It is also difficult for the child to not urinate or defecate, and that could lead to loss of evidence,” he explains.
A statement issued by the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights states: “In cases of abuse by a family member, the abuser ensures that the child is not hurt in a way that another caretaker will get suspicious either by seeing signs of abuse such as bleeding or by hearing the cries of the child in pain.”
That is why other evidence such as legal records and history of the incident is important. Getting information from the child, whose mind is fragile, is a big challenge, says Dr. Jagadeesh.
“Pictures, photographs and dolls could be used to get the child to open up about the abuse,” he adds.
Sensitising the police
“The child would be in a disturbed state and therefore, officials must not add to the trauma,” says Gopal Hosur, Inspector-General of Police, State Intelligence.
“The police must be sensitised to the emotional state of the child,” according to Mr. Hosur.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pranav Mohanty says that many people tend to avoid reporting abuse as there is a social stigma associated with such offences and because the perpetrator may be a family member.
People may also hesitate to report to hospitals as it could involve the police, says Dr. Jagadeesh.
Consent of the victim for examination is another issue. The procedure mandates examination of the child. “Consent is supposed to be taken for children aged over 12; for children under 12, parents or guardians need to give consent,” Dr. Jagadeesh says.
Dealing with offenders
Though rehabilitation measures could be taken up for helping the victim, dealing with the offender could remain a challenge as there is no sure-fire way to put an end to such acts.
Mr. Hosur says that in terms of convicting the offenders, it is sometimes difficult to get the exact required evidence that is legally acceptable to prove the case.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Sonia Narang said that though punishment may not address the issue, “the abuse must first stop at the level of the family.”
