The mental health and legal perspective of child sexual abuse: a case series

Sarada P. Swain; Sushree S. Behura; Swayamsidha

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252941

Authors

Sarada P. Swain Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Institute (COE), S.C.B. Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0194-5092
Sushree S. Behura Department of Clinical Psychology, Odisha Digital Academy for Mental Health (ODAMH), Mental Health Institute (COE), S.C.B. Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9184-7842
Swayamsidha Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-3244-0041

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20252941

Keywords:

Child sexual abuse, Mental health morbidities, Legal perspective, POCSO act

Abstract

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is not only a health concern, but also remains a socially neglected issue in every country. It has significant psychological and social issues that are often underreported. The immediate psychological effects have a negative impact on the child’s mental health and social development, creating long-term physical and mental health consequences. CSA victims are always at risk of anxiety, adjustment issues, dissociation, depression, dysfunctional sexual behaviors, somatization, and suicidality. The long-term mental health morbidities and sociocultural issues are frequently experienced by the adult survivors of CSA.

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