Sexual abuse of children in India is “disturbingly common,” and the victims are often mistreated and humiliated by police, according to a report released Thursday by Human Rights Watch. Citing the recent fatal gang rape of a woman on a New Delhi bus, the report blames authorities for failing to protect children from sexual abuse—and for traumatic and insensitive treatment. Sexual abuse is particularly common in child-care facilities and schools, the report said. A 2007 government study found that two of every three children in India were physically abused, and 53 percent of those surveyed reported one or more types of abuse. Child-rights activists believe many cases also go unreported.
