A CASE STUDY ON GRAVE SEXUAL ABUSE VICTIMIZATION OF STREET GIRLS IN SRI LANKA: WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO COLOMBO SUBURBS

Abstract

Street children reside in unstable and disadvantaged surroundings. Street girls often lack proper shelter. This qualitative case studies aimed to examine the prevalence of grave sexual abuse among street girls, and subsequently conduct case studies on the identified victims. This was theoretically guided by Chicago School Theory, Deviant Place Theory, and Feminist Theory. The primary data collection involved direct observation and informal discussions with street girls in Colombo suburbs. The sample selection utilized random sampling and snowball sampling techniques. A sample of 25 street girls in the age group between 11- 19 were interviewed face-to-face using a questionnaire. Among them, 4 reported experiencing grave sexual abuse providing primary data. Secondary data sources included existing literature, research studies, official reports, documents from government agencies, NGOs, and media sources. The findings highlighted how broken families and fatherless households drive girls to street life, increasing vulnerability to grave sexual abuse. Limited education, unstable housing, and lack of a safe environment further exposed them to abuse. There is a lack of parental communication regarding sexual abuse and it can occur in diverse settings affecting girls of various ages, by perpetrators from various age groups, genders, backgrounds and could be victim-related or strangers. The prevalent form of grave sexual abuse was rape. The victims suffer from physical health decline, trauma, psychological distress, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Their ability to seek help is hindered by fear, shame, and distrust. Victim survivors face challenges and it has a negative impact on them.