The Government's first ever exhaustive report on child abuse contains shocking details.

Exploring various forms of child abuse, the study has disturbing data to offer like more than half the children surveyed were sexually abused, often by their own relatives.

Psychologist Dr Sonia Mehta spoke to CNN-IBN on what this survey means for Indian children and how parents should deal with child abuse.

CNN-IBN: Your reactions to the Ministry of Women and Child Development's report on child abuse.

Dr Sonia Mehta: This was long over due. All of us in the mental health profession are aware that the incidence of abuse is extremely high. Even the layperson is aware how serious the situation is. By not talking about the issue does not mean that it doesn’t exist. We are now looking forward to the Government taking this up in a serious manner.

CNN-IBN: What about parents? Should there be panic or should there be a more open conversation between children and parents now?

Dr Sonia Mehta: Panic doesn't ever help. What this report actually does is highlight that abuse does exist. One needs to sensitise parents that just because children are not talking about abuse doesn't mean that it's not occurring. As the report points out it is the close caregivers, teachers and people in authority who are the perpetrators of abuse. Parents need to explain to children what is 'good touching' and what is 'bad touching'. Children need to speak to their parents and that is the most important step.

CNN-IBN: Is there a need for more awareness for parents and children as well?

Dr Sonia Mehta: There is always a need for more awareness. In India, there is a sad tendency to sweep such issues under the rug. Part of what I would like to highlight is the fact that the Sex Education Bill has been protested. There is a certain section that does not want to impart sex education to children. Now this has got be part of an on-going programme. Children need to be told that there are certain things, which are acceptable while some that are not. There has got be a dialogue that parents, teachers and children need to be engaged in.

CNN-IBN: Are there enough number of NGOs working for this cause? Just take us through some points so that the incidences of child abuse can be reduced and children can be safer.

Dr Sonia Mehta: The difficult thing in parents and teachers or authority figures is knowing when a child is suffering from sexual abuse.

The symptoms are so varied that it can be a child suddenly bed-wetting, it can be a child having nightmares or not sleeping, refusing to go to school. But if you are suddenly seeing a happy child doing these things then you need to focus on it immediately. Sometimes it is helpful to talk to your pediatrician, they can sometimes talk better than parents.

There is also some sort of physical evidence like blood spotting, scratches on the limbs – these are things that parents need to notice and react. One needs to talk to children and explain to them that it is never their fault.