'Sometimes I cry with that child': experiences and views of adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse on psychosocial treatment and support in India.

Background

The high prevalence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in India is a cause for concern. Survivors of CSA often experience psychosocial difficulties in their adult lives. Whilst their difficulties are partly recognised in India, there is a need for further exploration on the availability and access to support.

Objectives

We explored the views and experiences of adult survivors of CSA in India on different types of treatment and support.Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with adults who were sexually abused before the age of 18. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by narrative analysis of two transcripts.

Results

We interviewed 10 adult survivors of CSA in India. All participants were female with formal education. We conceptualised their recovery beginning with initial introspection and reliance, for example, on artistic and animal-assisted avenues. This is followed by seeking informal support, and, for some, seeking more formal support. Some also sought help through public figures, social media and Government initiatives and/or from their faith communities. We have further presented two narrative summaries explaining the genre, tone and core narrative of participants' experiences.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that these adult female survivors of CSA in India predominantly relied on their own coping strategies in the absence of holistic support. This was pronounced due to the dearth of mental health and social care for those who have experienced CSA in India. Future research needs to focus on understanding the meaning and language of CSA to enable the development of culturally tailored interventions.