Selected case studies of child sexual abuse and kidnapping reported to the Medirigiriya Police Division, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Background: Child abuse is a major public health problem in Sri Lanka. According to the statistics of the National Child Protection Authority, Sri Lanka, a total of 1508 complaints relating to child sexual abuse had been received by the NCPA in the year 2024. It is reported that 18% of female and male children under the age of 18 years have been subjected to some form of sexual abuse. A child less than 18 years of age taken away from the lawful guardian is considered punishable under the criminal procedure code. This research aimed to identify demographic details and profile of abducted and sexually abused child victims reported to Medirigiriya police division, in selected cases. Method: Twenty case records from 2014 to 2022 of sexually abused and abducted child victims in Medirigiriya police division were purposefully selected. Retrospective data analysis was done, using excel. Results: Among them 12 children fell under the category of 10-16 years showing the vulnerability of young children. In all the cases police arrested the perpetrator and filled the case in magistrate courts. The perpetrator was a family member or a boyfriend in 17 cases. There was delay in legal proceedings in 11 cases due to the delay in submitting medico legal reports (2) and directives from Attorney Generals department (11) indicating necessity of rapid case clearing in child abuse cases. Love affairs, unawareness of legal implications of the act, not having clear idea on self-protection, lack of parental care was observed in most cases. Conclusion: The vulnerability of young children in their home was observed. Risk factors indicated improper sexual health education of children and developing parental skills may help in reducing incidence.