By Chandrakala Vadlamudi, Counselling Psychologist
Vyana Energy of Well-Being
A child rarely says, “I am being abused.”
Instead, they may become quiet, anxious, angry, withdrawn, or fearful. Their behavior often changes long before they find the courage or words to tell someone what happened.
Child sexual abuse is one of the most underreported crimes in the world. Many children remain silent because they are frightened, confused, manipulated, or worried that adults will not believe them.
As parents, teachers, relatives, and community members, learning to recognize the warning signs can make a life-changing difference.
A Story That Could Happen Anywhere
Imagine a 13-year-old girl named Ananya (name changed).
She loved drawing, laughed with her friends every day, and looked forward to school. Over a few weeks, her parents noticed she had changed. She became unusually quiet, stopped talking at dinner, avoided family gatherings, and woke up crying from nightmares.
She suddenly refused to visit the home of a family acquaintance she had previously trusted. When her mother gently asked why, Ananya said, “I don’t want to go there,” but could not explain further.
Instead of forcing answers or dismissing her fears, her parents reassured her that she was safe and that they would always believe her. After several days, Ananya disclosed that the acquaintance had been touching her inappropriately and had threatened her not to tell anyone.
Her parents immediately protected her, sought medical care, reported the abuse through the proper legal channels, and arranged trauma-informed psychological counselling.
Recovery was not immediate. It took time, patience, and professional support. Slowly, Ananya regained confidence, returned to school, and rediscovered the joy she had lost.
Although this story is fictional, it reflects patterns that child protection professionals see far too often.
Why Many Children Stay Silent
Children may not disclose abuse because:
- They are afraid of the offender.
- They have been threatened.
- They fear they will be blamed.
- They feel ashamed or guilty.
- They worry that no one will believe them.
- They do not fully understand what happened.
Silence does not mean the child is safe.
Warning Signs Parents Should Never Ignore
A child may:
- Become withdrawn or unusually quiet.
- Have nightmares or difficulty sleeping.
- Show sudden fear of a particular person or place.
- Lose interest in school or hobbies.
- Become anxious or irritable.
- Display age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior.
- Complain of frequent headaches or stomachaches without a clear medical cause.
These signs do not automatically mean abuse has occurred, but they always deserve careful attention.
The Psychological Impact
Child sexual abuse can affect nearly every part of a child’s development.
Possible consequences include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma-related symptoms
- Low self-esteem
- Difficulty trusting others
- Poor concentration
- Social withdrawal
- Relationship difficulties later in life
Early support can reduce the long-term impact.
What Parents Should Do
If a child tells you something that suggests abuse:
1. Stay calm.
Your reaction influences whether the child feels safe to continue talking.
2. Believe the child.
False disclosures are uncommon. Every disclosure should be taken seriously.
3. Reassure them.
Tell the child:
“This is not your fault.”
“Thank you for telling me.”
“I am here to help keep you safe.”
4. Ensure immediate safety.
5. Seek medical, legal, and psychological support promptly.
Avoid repeatedly questioning the child. Trained professionals should conduct detailed interviews when needed.
Prevention Begins at Home
Teach children:
- Their body belongs to them.
- The difference between safe and unsafe touch.
- They can say “No” to unwanted touch.
- They should tell a trusted adult if someone makes them uncomfortable.
- No one should ask them to keep secrets about touching their body.
Open communication is one of the strongest protective factors.
A Message to Every Adult
Children should never carry the burden of protecting themselves from abuse alone.
Creating safe homes, safe schools, and safe communities is a shared responsibility. Listening without judgment, believing children, and acting promptly can change the course of a child’s life.
Every child deserves to grow up feeling safe, respected, and heard.
If You Suspect Abuse
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, contact local child protection authorities or the police without delay. If a child discloses abuse, ensure their immediate safety and seek appropriate medical and trauma-informed psychological care as soon as possible.
About the Author
Chandrakala Vadlamudi
Counselling Psychologist
Vyana Energy of Well-Being
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