IMA UNICEF Initiative on Child Sexual Abuse
Introduction
India is home to the largest child population in the world, with almost 42 per cent of the total population under eighteen years of age, and the health and security of the country’s children is integral to any vision for its progress and development. However, there has been a steady increase in sexual crimes against children, with over half of the children surveyed for a 2007 Report of the Ministry of Women and Child Development having faced some form of sexual abuse.
Experience of sexual violence in childhood can have adverse consequences for the child’s physical, mental, and social development. However, doctors, nurses, and other health sector professionals are in an unparalleled position to prevent, detect and treat sexual violence against children.
IMA does regular Training of Trainers for Doctors on Child Sexual Abuse. Doctors can apply for the training aif they meet the following criteria:
1. Age: 30 years to 65 years
2. Qualification: MBBS (essential); additional qualifications in Mental Health, OB/GYN, Paediatrics, or Forensics (desirable).
3. Work Experience: Five Years (minimum)
4. Willingness to travel
5. Knowledge of local language
In addition, they are required to answer a short questionnaire that will help us to identify suitable candidates for the training:
1. Your designation in your current place of employment
2. Any teaching experience you may have
3. Any experience you may have as a trainer
4. Languages that you are proficient in
5. Please tell us why you are interested in applying for this training
6. Please tell us briefly how you feel you would be able to contribute to the objectives of this training by further disseminating the knowledge you will be receiving therein.
Key Objectives of Training for Doctors
1. To understand sexual development and age-appropriate sexual behaviour in children
2. To understand the definition and meaning of child sexual abuse
3. To understand the risk factors, grooming, and patterns of abuse.
4. To have a better understanding of the short-term and long-term consequences of child sexual abuse.
5. To understand the behavioural and physical indicators of child sexual abuse
6. To be able to interview the child regarding the possible sexual abuse and to learn to obtain an accurate medical history after a disclosure of sexual abuse
7. To be able to conduct an accurate, complete and first contact medical examination
8. To understand the myths and misconceptions about the physical exam and its limitations in "proving" that sexual abuse occurred
9. To be able to document findings from the medical examination of a child
10. To understand and apply the different physical treatments available
11. To identify the most suitable mental health therapies for each child and make timely referrals for counseling
12. To formulate and implement a suitable follow-up regimen for each child
Key Messages for Doctors and Medical Professionals
1. CSA is a widespread phenomenon and a major public health concern. CSA takes place in all settings: at home, school, in the community etc. Perpetrators are usually people that the child knows, and he usually builds trust with the child to prevent disclosure. At times, threats are used to ensure silence is maintained.
2. CSA has lifelong consequences on the physical and mental health of the child. However, if timely medical care and mental support are provided a child can heal and lead a healthy life.
3. Medical professionals play a dual role:
a. Prevention: Informing parents about good and bad touch and to talk to children; teaching children how to protect themselves.
b. Response: Detecting and confirming abuse through medical history and examination and providing treatment and counseling
4. Reporting of abuse is mandatory for medical professionals under POCSO Act. It is not compulsory to inform the child and family of the reporting but it is good practice.
5. Emergency medical care is to be provided to an abused child under POCSO.
6. Medical examination requires:
a. Medical history
b. Medical check up to detect signs of abuse
c. Mental health support to conduct the interview in a sensitive manner that does not traumatize the child
d. The child’s (if under 12) or the parent/guardian’s consent.
7. Forensic examination needs to be conducted within 96 hours and requires evidence collection such as blood, semen, sperm, hair etc. linking to perpetrator.
8. Diagnosis of CSA is not always possible through physical signs. Sometimes signs will not be visible. The medical history and interview are key.
9. Often the child will not disclose abuse easily. Disclosure is associated with fear and shame.
10. Mental health professionals play a key role in supporting the early phase of detection, as well as the catharsis and normalization of behaviors.
List Of Members Of National Advisory Group (NAG)
Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai, National President, Ima
Dr. K.k. Aggarwal, Hony. Secretary General, Ima
Dr. Rajeev Seth, Convener, 9811509460, [email protected]
Dr. R.n. Tandon, Convener, 9810089490, [email protected]
Ms. Dora Giusti, India Representative, Child Protection, Unicef, 9899586308, [email protected]
Dr. Vidya Reddy, Chennai, Nag Member, 09840050768, [email protected]
Dr. Jagdesshan, Prof Of Forensic Medicine, Bangalore, Nag Member, 09845311220, [email protected]
Dr. Rajesh Sagar, Nag Member, 9810575310, [email protected]
Ms. Hamsa Vijayaraghavan, Technical Consultant, 9650550638, [email protected]
Dr. Shekhar Sheshadri, 09845130639, [email protected], [email protected]
Dr. Shaibya Saldanha, Bangalore, 09844112391, [email protected]
Dr. Sangeeta Saksena, 09845020277, [email protected]
Ima Contact : Mr. V.k. Verma, Technical Assistant, Csa Project & Accountant, 9212139298, [email protected]
IMA Faculty on Child Sexual Abuse
Dr Munish Aggarwal, Chandigarh - 9814109203, [email protected], [email protected]
Dr. Keerti Malaviya, Delhi - 9810229718, [email protected]
Dr. Rajiv Kumar Jain, Delhi - 9717630532, [email protected]
Dr. Rajiv Garg, Delhi - [email protected]
Dr. Vijay Kansal, Delhi - 9810055655, [email protected]
Dr. Kiran Aggarwal, Delhi - [email protected]
Dr. Wg. Cdr Rajkumar, Delhi - 8826570077, [email protected]
Dr (Col) V K Wadia, Delhi - 9891152777, [email protected]
Dr. Suresh Dagar Mbbs, Delhi - 9311149224, [email protected]
Dr. Ragweshwar Jyoti Gynaecologist H.P. - 9418159410 ,[email protected]
Dr. Yogita Dogra Gynaecologist H.P. - 9418200033, [email protected]
Dr. Gopal Beri State Prog. Officer H.P. - 9818013888, [email protected]
Dr. Sudha Gupta Paeditrician H.P. - 9816899966, [email protected]
Dr. Rajesh Thakur State Aids Controller H.P. - 9816032406, [email protected]
Dr. Ravi Kant Dogra H.P. - 8091065978, [email protected]
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Goyal M.D. Paed. Haryana - 9810146249, [email protected]
Dr. Reenu Bhatia Haryana - 9811867165, [email protected]
Dr. Sunita Manchanda D.C.H,Pgd-Ap Haryana - 9873723279, [email protected]
Dr. Premalatha Krishnan M.D., D.C.H.Pgdap Haryana - 9818323822, [email protected]
Dr. Yogeshwar Sood Punjab - 9814043646, [email protected]
Dr. Arun Kakkar Punjab - 9815304948, [email protected]
Dr. Diwan Singh Bhullar Punjab - 9814543131, [email protected]
Dr. Narjit Kaur Punjab - 9872099698, [email protected]
Dr. Amitabh Srivastav Mbbs, Dgo U.P. - 9897756294, [email protected]
Dr. Anand Prakash U.P. - 8979210011, [email protected]
Dr. Yogesh Goel U.P. - 9412220100, [email protected]
Dr. Vipin Mehra Physician Uttranchal - 9837026216, [email protected]
Dr. Sandhya Sharma Obst. & Gynae. Uttranchal - 9412070773, [email protected]
Dr. Annu Dhir Obst. & Gynae. Uttranchal - 9897060050, [email protected]
Dr. Sandhya Bhatnagar Pediatrics Uttranchal - 9760011798, [email protected]
Dr. E. Prabhavathi, M.B.B.S., P.G. A.P. - 9848053978, [email protected]
Dr.Pasumarthy, Pulla Rao, M.B.B.S., P.G. A.P. - 9848034519, [email protected]
Dr. Sreelatha Reddy Obst. & Gynae. A.P. - 9848766431, [email protected]
Dr. V. Rama Narsimha Reddy Paediatrician A.P. - 9849072556
Dr. Vijay Kumar Paediatrician A.P. - 9849883029, [email protected]
Dr. Prabhakar Korada Psychiatrist A.P. - 9848023347, [email protected]
Dr. Ram Reddy Forensic Medicine A.P. - 9908515209
Dr. Harisha Delathabettu Prof & Hod Of Psychiatric Karnataka - 9844028852, [email protected]
Dr. Dharmaraya Ingale Prof & Hod Forensic Medicine Karnataka - 9448406117, [email protected]
Dr. S.N. Kiran Kumar Psychiatrist Karnataka - 9448068583, [email protected]
Dr. H.L. Premalatha Asst.Prof.Of Obst.& Gyne. Karnataka - 9448413914, [email protected]
Dr. M. Venkatachalapathy Paediatrician Karnataka - 9448985567, [email protected]
Dr. Ashok Kumar P. Kerala - 9895284830, [email protected]
Dr. Beena Johnson Consultant In Child & Adol. Guidance Kerala - 9847219390, [email protected]
Dr. T.V. Padmanabhan Kerala - 9847400201, [email protected]
Dr. Venkiteswaran M.N. Swc Member, Ima North Paravur Br., Kerala - 9846094804, [email protected]
Dr. Jayasree C. Consultant In Neurology Kerala - 9495979074, [email protected]
Dr. Mahesh Prasad Mohanta M.D., Pediatrics Orissa - 9439332561, [email protected]
Dr. Braja Kishore Dash Md., Forensic Medicine Orissa - 9437034888, [email protected]
Dr. Sachndananda Mohanty Md., Forensic Medicine Orissa - 9437260015, [email protected], [email protected]
Dr. Surjeet Sahoo M.D. Psychiatry Orissa - 9437080574, [email protected]
Dr. A. Manikanda Jothi Consultant Pediatrician Puducherry - 9443335009, [email protected]
Dr. Nithya Mani Dgo, Pgdhm, Gynaecologist Puducherry - 9543995009, [email protected]
Dr. S. Yoganandan Tamilandu - 9444438424 [email protected], [email protected]
Dr. M. Balasubramanian M.D., D.V. Tamilandu - 9444007046, [email protected]
Dr. Anburajan Tamilandu - 9442612138, [email protected]
Dr. C.N. Raja Tamilandu - 9842727277, [email protected]
Dr. Padma Chandrasekar Tamilandu - 9176261857, [email protected]
Dr. V. Sivaprakasam Tamilandu - 9843029768, [email protected]
Dr. Narmadha Ashok Tamilandu - 9443098899, [email protected]