Why do children remain silent about sexual abuse?

Abstract

This paper aims to present the most common reasons why child victims of sexual abuse do not choose to testify about their experience in criminal proceedings. The process of disclosing sexual abuse and the reactions of family members and professionals in various institutions can be a source of support and help in recovery for the child, but also a source of secondary victimization. Based on that, the paper analyzes to what extent the Serbian legislative framework is harmonized with international standards regarding the protection of child victims from secondary victimization. It points out to the application of legal solutions on the protection of child victims during criminal proceedings through the Units for Supporting Child Victims and Witnesses as an example of the best practice in supporting and protecting child victims and witnesses from secondary victimization. Special attention is paid to the prevalence of sexual abuse of children, while the focus is on the reasons why children are not ready to speak publicly about sexual abuse, as well as the feelings that arise when disclosure occurs.