A social media influencer from Bengaluru has bravely shared a deeply disturbing experience of being sexually assaulted by a 10-year-old boy, sparking outrage and highlighting the complex issue of bystander apathy. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared online, underscores the challenges faced by victims in reporting such crimes, especially when the perpetrator is a child.
In the video, the woman, identified as Neha Biswal, recounts the incident, which occurred while she was walking home from work. A boy on a bicycle approached her, initially greeting her with a friendly “hi”. However, the boy then proceeded to touch her inappropriately before quickly fleeing the scene.
Biswal details the disheartening response she received from bystanders. Many, instead of offering support, chose to sympathize with the boy, claiming he was just a “kid” and must have acted unintentionally. It was only after Biswal showed them the video evidence that people began to believe her story.
“People believed me only after I showed them the video. The incident was recorded, and that’s why people supported me. Imagine how many similar incidents must have happened with people and weren’t reported,” Biswal stated in the video.
The video, which was also shared by Karnataka Portfolio on X (formerly Twitter), has gone viral, prompting widespread discussion about child sexual abuse and the importance of empowering victims.
The incident has been reported to the police, who have identified the boy. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals, especially women, in public spaces. It also highlights the need for greater awareness about child sexual abuse and the crucial role of bystander intervention in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
It is important to remember that regardless of the age of the perpetrator, sexual assault is a serious crime and victims should be believed and supported.
