Jatchavala C, Ransing R, Sukavejworakit N, Ramalho R, Devraj N. Child sexual abuse, mental health, and legislation in India and Thailand: A cross-country comparison.
J Forensic Leg Med 2024;
102:102655. [PMID:
38367287 DOI:
10.1016/j.jflm.2024.102655]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious public health issue in India and Thailand. To identify potential barriers for addressing CSA in these countries, it is necessary to explore and compare research, laws, and policies in these two countries.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The Scopus and PubMed databases were searched for published literature on "Child Sexual Abuse" AND "India" OR "Thailand" concerning research focus, prevalence, factors, and policies or interventions on CSA. Main legislations related to CSA were compared using a predefined outline. Additionally, authors compared and analysed current legislation in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
RESULTS
Published literature (n = 64) included original articles (n = 26), reviews (n = 36), editorials or letters to the editor (n = 2). No collaboration on CSA between the two countries was found. Several differences in the main legislation (e.g., punishment, services) of India and Thailand were observed, both between countries and in relation to the UNCRC.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that CSA is mostly under-researched in both countries in terms of services, policy and legislation. There is a need for cross-country, multidisciplinary, and collaborative research on CSA in both India and Thailand.
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