I don't know why, but this incident that happened 2 years ago keeps coming back to me "every now and then". Probably because I hear of a case of sexual abuse, in particular, girl child abuse, "every now and then".
One of my colleagues' acquaintances was doing a research-survey on this subject with Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She requested me and some of my friends to let her interview us on our experience(s), if I can call it that, of abuse. I observed that she didn't even consider the fact that a few of us might not have had such an experience(s) and raised the same question. She replied saying it is a remote possibility, unfortunately.
That is the hard hitting truth.

So, I was not surprised when all of the girls turned up for the "interview". The questions had a wide range - from passing lewd comments to physical abuse of all types. Until then, I didn't know that passing lewd remark and showing pornographic or provocative material is also a form of abuse. Most of us took more than an hour to relate instances of abuse on a bus or train or a crowded place or worse at home, college and office.
We were also asked whether we approached our parents for help. Most of us replied in negative for obvious reasons.

As I sat down for the much needed coffee break that evening, I remember telling my friend that if the parents of all the girls and mine, had given enough space and freedom, been a little more observant, understanding and courageous(I believe educating the young on good and bad advances/touch/gesture is the toughest job on the earth), they could have made their home, schools and colleges cleaner.

My friend pointed out that, if her elders had asked her the same set of questions when she was younger, it would have made a lot of sense.Talking to a child on a sensitive issue is tough, but very important, she concluded.Sadly, most parents become over protective which results in too many restrictions on the movement to the child, particularly girls.

I wish all parents consider this a duty.Part of raising a child.Part of the child's education. Let the child tell you his feelings, his problems, openly. That will make things easy for you and for your kid. Teach them defense. Observe. Explain. Assure.

Trust me, recounting such an ordeal in front of an unknown person, for the first time in your life, for some survey on abuse, is unfortunate and horrifying.