The non-existent acknowledgement of “paedophilia” in Indian sub-culture
- Ankita Mohanty
- Apr 16, 2021
- 3 min read
The reason why I wanted to do an article on this lies in the sheer fact that until recently, CSA or Child Sexual Assault was not acknowledged as a criminal offence; rape was the main, if not the only, specific sexual offence against children recognized by law in India. In the absence of specific legislation, a range of offensive behaviours such as child sexual assault (not amounting to rape), harassment, and exploitation for pornography were never legally sanctioned.
According to data published by NCRB (National Crime Record Bureau), it is speculated that as many as 109 were sexually abused every day in India in 2018. Readers need to keep in mind that these statics only considered serious criminal offences against children which are reported. In a country as dense as 1.7 billion, many of these offences remain discreet.
Although a small but growing body of literature has begun to provide an understanding of child abuse in India. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence to support general observations. Because it is believed that child abuse in India has not received adequate attention primarily because of a general lack of sensitivity to the issue.
Comparisons between social workers, other human service professionals, and those not involved in human services fields revealed that there was negligible variation in perceptions of the severity of different forms of abuse. The Indian view holds the child as parental property, subject to discipline as parents find appropriate. Battering of children in India is not seen as detrimental to the child, as it is in the US. In a subculture where the child doesn’t feel comfortable sharing his trauma with his parents, how he/she is supposed to confront his/her predator? In an alternate scenario, when the child gains the courage to speak to his/her parents, why are they silenced? The child is conditioned to re-live their trauma again and again whereas the predator can roam freely without any consequences.
In a country where people are still wary about a mere conversation of sexual assault on children, it is obvious that the concept of ‘paedophilia’ remains unknown. And if known, it is very well not talked about.
People with an irresistible compulsion to sexually abuse children are known as paedophiles. The American Psychiatric Association’s ‘Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders defines paedophilia as stemming from sexually arousing fantasies, impulsive desires or behaviour involving sexual acts with a child.
The public image of a paedophile, typically of an ugly old man hiding in the bushes waiting to snatch young children off the street, is a myth. In reality, they are often family members, trusted friends, teachers and even people in power. A child is ever vulnerable. Because there isn’t much discussion around the term “paedophilia” in India, these children fall victim to their perverted wiles.
Now, the Internet has become a common hunting ground to prey on children. Recently, the Kerala Police arrested 11 people including for running an online sex racket, while investigating a Face book Paedophile page called “Kochu Sundarikal” (little pretty girls). Though “Kocchhu sundarikal” appeared like pictures posted on Facebook, in reality, it was a den of paedophiles. A note from the group administrator on the site sought to know: “What would you like to do with her?”
Some researchers have tried to establish a certain cerebral dysfunction among paedophiles, while others have tried to attribute this tendency to biological and environmental factors. According to them, childhood victims of paedophilia could turn out to be child sex abusers who want to re-live and enjoy the role reversal.
“Pedophilia is undesirable to the extent that it predisposes some people to sexually abuse children. It is undesirable to have a condition requiring lifelong celibacy. But as long as paedophiles are celibate, they should not have to think of themselves as having a disorder. They did not choose paedophilia and they cannot make it go away. We should encourage celibate paedophiles to let go of feelings of shame and distress. If they can, they no longer have a disorder according to DSM-5.”
- The research suggests.
If the much controversial claim is true, it is pertinent that more discussions are to be made on this very topic. In such an environment where ignorance is considered bliss, a discourse has to be followed where we talk about this in more vividness. The only concern here should be to safeguard the lives of these children, rest comes secondarily.
Because if we don’t talk, who will?
“When you feel caught in the web of childhood abuse, find words to describe it. Write them. Say them. Express them. In safe places, with safe people.”
― Jeanne McElvaney, Childhood Abuse: Tips to Change Child Abuse Effects
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Thanks for not starting a paragraph with "one of my own friend's relative..."
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This was a much needed topic of discussion. Pedophilia is a disorder and people should be made aware that actions can be taken to treat it instead of ignoring it's presence in our society. Really well articulated!