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This chapter addresses childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in South Asia, home to 36% of the world’s children. CSA is alarmingly prevalent, with underreporting due to stigma, fear, and lack of awareness. Risk factors include individual (e.g., age, trauma), family (e.g., poverty, substance abuse), and societal determinants (e.g., patriarchal norms, weak law enforcement). Theoretical models like Finkelhor’s Precondition Model and Ward and Siegert’s Pathways Model explain CSA’s etiology. Clinical identification involves recognizing behavioral changes, physical symptoms, and indirect disclosures. Ethical challenges in reporting, such as confidentiality and child safety, are discussed. Legislative frameworks across South Asia are discussed, with countries like India and Nepal having robust laws, while others like Afghanistan and Bhutan lag due to systemic issues. Challenges include underreporting, judicial delays, and cultural barriers. The chapter calls for stronger enforcement, victim-friendly legal processes, and increased awareness to combat CSA and ensure justice for survivors.

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Forensic Psychiatric Aspects of Child Sexual Abuse in South Asia

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Dheeraj Kattula,
  • Dhandapani Nandakumar,
  • Rachna George Joseph

摘要

This chapter addresses childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in South Asia, home to 36% of the world’s children. CSA is alarmingly prevalent, with underreporting due to stigma, fear, and lack of awareness. Risk factors include individual (e.g., age, trauma), family (e.g., poverty, substance abuse), and societal determinants (e.g., patriarchal norms, weak law enforcement). Theoretical models like Finkelhor’s Precondition Model and Ward and Siegert’s Pathways Model explain CSA’s etiology. Clinical identification involves recognizing behavioral changes, physical symptoms, and indirect disclosures. Ethical challenges in reporting, such as confidentiality and child safety, are discussed. Legislative frameworks across South Asia are discussed, with countries like India and Nepal having robust laws, while others like Afghanistan and Bhutan lag due to systemic issues. Challenges include underreporting, judicial delays, and cultural barriers. The chapter calls for stronger enforcement, victim-friendly legal processes, and increased awareness to combat CSA and ensure justice for survivors.