Kerala Boy, 16, Alleges Sexual Assault by 14 Men Met on LGBTQ+ App
In a shocking incident in Kerala, a 16-year-old boy has alleged sexual assault by 14 men, met through an LGBTQ+ dating app over two years. This case highlights the often overlooked issue of sexual violence faced by boys in India, a topic deeply taboo and rarely discussed.
Sociologist Vijaylakshmi Brara attributes the reluctance to accept men as victims to traditionally rooted notions of masculinity. Male sexual assault survivors often face unique psychological challenges, including deep shame and isolation due to disbelief in their accounts. Boys are frequently overlooked in discussions about abuse, with many men revealing experiences years later in private.
The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, supported by the Indian government and child rights organizations, aims to provide a legal framework for safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation. However, a national study in India found that more than half of boys had suffered sexual abuse, with just under a quarter experiencing severe forms. The case in Kerala underscores the urgent need for stronger gender-neutral laws to protect children from sexual abuse regardless of gender.
Police have opened investigations into the 14 men and made at least nine arrests in the Kerala case. The survivor's story, shaped by societal expectations of masculinity, serves as a grim reminder of the sexual violence faced by boys in India. It underscores the urgent need for open conversations, better support systems, and robust legal protections for all survivors of sexual abuse, regardless of gender.
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