Project Ankahee: The Unreported Truth
Project Ankahee is an evidence-based investigation into the prevalence and patterns of Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) among urban young adults in North-Western India. By analyzing the "silent years" of survivors, this study converts lived experience into actionable policy intelligence.
Study Objectives
- Assess CSA prevalence among urban young adults of North-Western India.
- Understand patterns of unreported CSA (age, gender, perpetrator, type).
- Study outcomes of disclosure in terms of reporting and legal action.
Areas of Investigation
The study focused on CSA Taxonomy (Age, Type, Profile), CSA Disclosure (Ability and time taken to speak out, targets), and subsequent Legal Action outcomes.
Methodology & Scope
The research covered high-density urban locations including Delhi/NCR, Tricity (Chandigarh/Mohali/Panchkula), Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Data was normalized to ensure regional representation.
Sample Profile
6,886
Respondents
1,651
Survivors
24%
Affected Rate
80%
Female
The DNA of Silence
Occurrence by Victim Age (%)
The age at which the child first experienced abuse.
Why it matters60% of abuse occurs before age 13, proving prevention must start in primary schools.
Abuser Profile: Known vs Stranger (%)
The relationship status of the predator to the victim at the time of the incident.
Why it matters75% of abusers are trusted individuals, shattering the "Stranger Danger" myth.
Taxonomy & Frequency
Type of Abuse Taxonomy (%)
Categorization of sexual violence from verbal/visual to assault.
Why it matters40% of cases are non-penetrative, carrying high psychological trauma often overlooked by law.
Abuse Recurrence Frequency (%)
The number of times the survivor was subjected to abuse.
Why it matters1 in 5 victims are abused 3+ times. This indicates "grooming" where a predator exploits long-term access to the child.
Disclosure Barriers
Timeline to First Disclosure (%)
The time elapsed between the event and the moment the survivor first spoke to anyone.
Why it matters38% of male survivors never talk. This "Line of Silence" shows that our current legal and support systems are invisible to them.
First Disclosure Target (%)
The first confidant chosen (Red: Family, Navy: Friends, Grey: Authority).
Why it mattersWith nearly 0% going to police first, parents and peers are the actual front-line responders who need trauma training.
The Justice Gap
The Belief Differential (%)
Percentage of survivors believed by their confidants, split by gender.
Why it mattersMales are believed 16% less than females, creating a massive barrier to recovery. This disparity creates a "Secondary Trauma" that blocks male survivors from seeking justice.
Narratives of Courage
Summary
- 60% of abuse occurs before age 13.
- 75% of abusers are known persons for victims under 10.
- 2 out of 5 cases (40%) are non-penetrative.
- Only 40% of survivors ever disclose the incident.
- 7 out of 10 abusers remain unpunished.
Strategic Recommendations
- Introduce mandatory Safe-Touch Education in primary schools (Ages 5-8).
- Build confidential, child-centric reporting channels.
- Scale parent awareness programs.
- Strengthen legal processes for late disclosures.