ANKAHEE
- Overview
- Sample Profile
- DNA of Silence
- Taxonomy & Frequency
- Disclosure Trends
- The Justice Gap
- Narratives of Courage
- Master Summary
- Recommendations
BACHAPAN INDIA RESEARCH
Strategic National Release | February 2026
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
What is the DNA of Silence? These are the core structural facts of abuse: the age it begins and the identity of the abuser. This “DNA” defines the child’s environment of risk.
Taxonomy & Frequency
What is Taxonomy? Taxonomy is the classification of different types of abuse—from verbal harassment to physical assault. Frequency refers to whether the abuse was an isolated event or a recurring pattern.
Disclosure Barriers
The Justice Gap
What is the Justice Gap? This is the discrepancy between high social belief rates and the failure of formal legal systems to punish abusers.
BACHAPAN INDIA RESEARCH
“I was very small, so I didn’t understand in that moment. Later I realized and for a long time I blamed myself.”
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.