Behind closed doors: narratives of intra-familial child sexual abuse survivors in India

This study analyses the lived experiences of intra-familial child sexual abuse survivors in Assam, India. A qualitative research design was adopted to explore the causes of intra-familial child sexual abuse, barriers to disclosure, impact and support systems available to children reporting such abuse. Sixteen respondents were recruited for the study through a 15-day workshop on child sexual abuse (CSA), which was conducted as a part of the Theatre of the Oppressed program at an academic institution. In-depth interviews were conducted and data was transcribed and thematically analysed. The findings highlight the causes of intra-familial child sexual abuse to be financial reliance on the abuser, cognitive limitation of survivors due to age, lack of attention from parents and manipulative tactics of the abusers. The study emphasises how intra-familial sexual abuse is deeply embedded in the socio-cultural realm of Indian society with limited support systems in place for victim-survivors.PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENTSurvivors’ narratives in this study highlight critical gaps in existing support and protection systems available to children when disclosing sexual abuse, leading to cycles of abuse in India. The findings of the study align with a large body of existing research conducted in the global south. However, the study captures first-hand experiences of survivors and how they negotiated with their experiences in a society bounded by deep-rooted familial obligations, adherence to gender norms, taboos surrounding sexual abuse issues, and limited institutional support.