When Boys’ Voices Break, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• Reported cases of child sexual abuse against boys in Telangana under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 are increasing.
• 127 boys were recorded as victims in Telangana between January 2024 and September 2026.
• Cases rose from 4 in 2024 to 61 in 2025, and 62 in the first nine months of 2026.
• A majority (61.8%) of perpetrators are known to the child victims, including relatives, neighbours, and teachers.
• Under-reporting is prevalent due to societal shame, fear of ridicule, and concerns about masculinity.
• 1,769 POCSO cases are pending before two designated courts in Hyderabad, leading to significant delays in justice.

Detailed Insights:

• The rise in recorded cases may reflect increased willingness to report rather than an actual surge in abuse incidents.
• A 2017 study in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry identified patriarchy as a barrier preventing male child sexual abuse victims from seeking psychiatric help.
• Telangana Police initiatives like She Teams and Bharosa Support Centres provide security and integrated support to women and children in distress.
• Challenges for investigators include delayed disclosure, fear of stigma, family reluctance to report, and difficulty in obtaining clear accounts from traumatized children.
• The slow judicial process, with a high caseload per judge and public prosecutor, prolongs the trauma for child victims.
• Awareness campaigns are particularly needed in residential schools and religious educational institutions, identified as sources of many reported cases.
• Sexual abuse of boys by women is often under-reported or unrecognized due to societal myths and expectations.
• Child sex abuse educators promote "safe touch" and "unsafe touch" concepts to help children identify exploitation.
• Long-term psychological impacts of child sexual abuse on boys can manifest as difficulties in relationships and intimacy in adulthood.
• Recovery for survivors depends significantly on self-confidence, willingness to seek help, treatment, and strong family support.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: Indian law enacted to protect children from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and pornography.
• She Teams: Units of the Telangana Police dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of women in public places.
• Bharosa Support Centre: An integrated support center providing medical, legal, and psychological aid to women and children in distress.
• Patriarchy: A social system where men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.