Depiction Of Child Sex Abuse In Bollywood Cinema
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Arohi Sanyal, Strathclyde University, Glasgow, Scotland, U.K.
ABSTRACT
The article would begin by defining Child Sex Abuse (CSA) and how such a violation suffered by children at an age when their thought process and value systems are still growing leaves an indelible mark on their psychological and physical health, impacts their education and career, alters their relationship with their family and society, and impedes their future relationships.
However, CSA is a taboo topic in Indian society, barely acknowledged and rarely addressed. In this scenario, analyzing its depiction in Bollywood movies can be cathartic as cinema is an extremely potent medium in India, both reflective of the societal mindset as well as having the potential to influence and alter the same.
Some part of this article was a part of my Masters Dissertation in Ambedkar University, Delhi supervised by Professor Krishna Menon, and was submitted on 27th March 2023.
Introduction
Child sexual abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent, or that violates the laws or social taboos of society (World Health Organization , Regional Office For Africa, 2004). It is a most cruel and tragic occurrence and a serious infringement of a child’s rights to health and protection. Unfortunately, this violation of children, the most vulnerable section of society and the future of the nation, occurs every 15 minutes in India.
The impact of CSA is manifold, long-lasting, and with multiple nuances. As per a report, CSA has a severe impact on a child’s psychological state, health, level of independence, social relationships, and education, impact that may last throughout the lifespan of a survivor.
