Why Children do not Disclose Sexual Abuse: Role of Shared Schemas

Abstract

This is a theoretical paper, which conceptualises reasons for non-disclosure of sexual abuse by child victims, as an outcome of existing cognitive schemas in Indian society. The paper acquaints us with the multiple schemas existing in Indian society. Children acquire these notions through socialisation via shared values and beliefs, which, over
time, become their guiding schemas in the event of abuse. The authors theorise that schemas impact the child’s psyche and act as barriers to disclosure.

Keywords:non-disclosure, schemas, child sexual abuse, Indian society

DOI: 10.32444/IJSW.2023.84.1.39-52