Child sexual abuse (CSA): India & the world

Child Sexual abuse (CSA) is a mostly hidden but widely prevalent problem in the society. It is very difficult to understand the exact aetiology but certain factors keep children on a constant risk of falling prey to it. The magnitude of problem is quite high and scars the child's life with undesired consequences. The professionals who deal with such cases are supposed to tackle them in different ways and manner than routine cases. It requires a unique way of forensic investigation, as often these children are hesitant to tell the true story and put a challenge before us to diagnose with the available methods and techniques. The appropriate preventive, curative, supportive and legal remedies are required to pull them out from this dreaded situation and allowing them to lead a normal life. There is a need to frame uniform standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the medical, police, law, social service and other personnel to effectively prosecute the abusers and stopping the re-victimisation of the children.