Work

Lived experiences of adolescent girls following child sexual abuse: disclosure, coping, and perceived school support

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background While research has established the adverse consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA), there remains a critical need to understand how adolescents process and make sense of their experiences, particularly within the Indian context, where discussions around sexuality and abuse often remain taboo. Objective This study aimed to explore the perceptions of adolescent girls who have experienced CSA and to identify school-based strategies for prevention and intervention. Participants and setting Seven adolescent girls aged 14–18 years were purposively selected from high and higher secondary schools in a district of Tamil Nadu, India. The participants were identified through a screening process following CSA awareness sessions attended by 517 students. Methods A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed to explore participants’ perceptions and experiences. Data were analysed using ATLAS.ti to identify key themes. Thematic saturation was achieved by the seventh interview, with no substantively new themes emerging during the final stage of analysis. Results Four major themes emerged: (1) Narrating and Disclosing CSA as a Continuum of Expression, (2) Post-Traumatic Navigation: Inner Worlds and Outer Responses, (3) Perceptions of Perpetrators and Sociocultural Influences, and (4) Cultivating Safe Havens: Schools as Engines of Prevention and Change. Conclusion Adolescents’ experiences of CSA were deeply influenced by emotional readiness, social context, and cultural norms. Despite their experiences of abuse, participants described the moments of resilience and highlighted the role of schools in fostering awareness, emotional support, and safe avenues for disclosure. The study underscores the need for systemic and empathetic interventions that center survivors’ voices and strengthen school-based prevention and support.

Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1895004

Authors: Silvia S. V., J. Balamurugan

Institution: Vellore Institute of Technology University

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Quality education, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801