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Prevalence and Spectrum of Sexual Abuse Among Adolescents in Kerala, South India

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Abstract

Objective

To study the prevalence and spectrum of sexual abuse among adolescents in Kerala, South India.

Methods

A self- report survey was conducted among adolescents in the 15–19 y age group, studying in the plus one and plus two classes in selected schools.

Results

Of the 1614 respondents (688 boys and 926 girls), 36 % of boys and 35 % of girls had experienced sexual abuse at some point during their lifetime. Most instances were sexual advances while using public transport. Feelings of insecurity and isolation at home, of being disliked by parents and of being depressed were significantly more in adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse, compared to those who had not.

Conclusions

Sexual abuse is widely prevalent and both boys and girls are equally susceptible. There is a need to evolve strategies to protect children from sexual abuse and the programmes should address both boys and girls.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the contribution of Ms. V. Joana (Social Worker, IMHANS), Ms. Sushama. SR and Mr. Amal Thomas (Clinical Psychologists, IMHANS) in data collection. They also thank Mr. Mathews Varghese, Associate Editor, Malayala Manorama and his team for their help in organizing the study.

Conflict of Interest

None.

Role of Funding Source

The study was carried out with the financial support from the Malayala Manorama Ltd.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Child Development Services, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, 673008, India

    P. Krishnakumar

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

    K. Satheesan & M. G. Geeta

  3. Institute of Palliative Medicine, Government Medical College, Kozhikode, Kerala, India

    K. Sureshkumar

Authors
  1. P. Krishnakumar
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  2. K. Satheesan
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  3. M. G. Geeta
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  4. K. Sureshkumar
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Krishnakumar.

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Krishnakumar, P., Satheesan, K., Geeta, M.G. et al. Prevalence and Spectrum of Sexual Abuse Among Adolescents in Kerala, South India. Indian J Pediatr 81, 770–774 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1260-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-013-1260-z

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