Children vulnerable to abuse

Hyderabad: Skin hunger, when not detected and treated at an early stage, may result in such children becoming victims of child abuse. Since, they do not get such affection at home, they seek relationships outside and fall prey to sexual abuse and molestation.

One such case was reported at the Dhriti Psychological Centre For Wellness of a six-year-old girl, who was being regularly molested by her autorickshaw driver. The issue came to light a year later when her school teacher spotted the driver touching her inappropriately. When counselled, the child revealed that she did not find it uncomfortable. “Their mindset gets tuned to believe that they are attracted to anyone who shows affection, including strangers. They don’t realise that they are being molested,” said Purnima Nagaraja, consultant psychiatrist, Dhriti Centre For Psychological Wellness.  In another case, 20-year-old girl was abused by an elderly relative since childhood, but her her parents ignored her complaints. “She became depressed, cut her wrists, and had to be sent for rehabilitation centre. She has severe trust issues and a deep rooted hatred for men,” said Ms Nagaraja.