Child abuse is a stark reality in so-called progressive Indian society. A 13-year-old schoolgirl, molested by her own physical education in a posh south Delhi school, suffered in silence. Her parents eventually lodged a report, but withdrew it for fear of ostracisation and stigma attached to it. Readers voiced their concerns, and Clinical Psychologist at Apollo Hospital in Delhi, Dr Ekta Soni, addressed them:
Worried parent from Mumbai: My child is five-years-old. He was abused by a servant at home while me and my husband were away. Will the incident have a long-term impact on the psyche of my child?
Dr Soni: Abuse is likely to have an impact in some way in future if it is not dealt with properly. Parents have to be cautious to see the signs and symptoms. Children may get nightmares, might be scared to be alone or, like I had seen with a child, who started to masturbate early. So, parents need to be watchful, but not obsessed about it.
Priya from Bangalore: I am 15-years-old and for the past one year, my chacha (uncle) has been coming to my room at night and feels me up. What should I do?
Dr Soni: Priya, it’s very important for you to share this with someone you are close to in the family – say your mother. Don’t allow this to happen. Lock your door. Try not to be alone at home at a time when he comes. But most importantly, share it so that it stops.
Kirti from New Delhi: I was molested as a child in hostel. I am about to get married. Will it affect my relationship with my husband?
Dr Soni: Kirti, if you have spoken to someone about it an dealt with emotions about it, then it’s not likely to have an impact. But it is suggested that whatever apprehensions are coming to your mind, clear it up now, before you get married. Don’t go into a new life with a negative mind.
One question that a lot of people asked is: What can a parent do in such cases?
Dr Soni: Parents need to be supportive to the child. Give him/her a safe environment to verbalise their feelings. Never be judgmental and don’t blame them. And most importantly, take whatever action they want.
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