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Table 2 Consolidated Ethics Criteria

From: Ethical and definitional considerations in research on child sexual violence in India

1. Does the manuscript report whether informed consent was obtained from the participant and/or permission was obtained from the parent/guardian (where applicable)?

2. Does the description of informed consent process state that the participant was informed of the limits of confidentiality (i.e. any data that would need to be reported to authorities if it were disclosed during the study)?

3. Does the manuscript discuss methods used for ensuring participant confidentiality?

a. Mention not disclosing the true intent of the study until alone with the participant and/or the participant’s parent/guardian?

b. Mention measures to ensure data confidentiality?

c. Take care to not present data that could identify the participant?

4. Does the manuscript discuss how the study team members were selected and trained?

5. Does the manuscript discuss procedures in place to protect the safety and health of its study team members (i.e. debriefing meetings, limiting time in interviews, self-completion methods, provision of counseling services?)

6. Were the methods of screening for CSV robust (i.e. survey a range of behaviors vs. use 1–2 question; avoid “loaded” terms like ‘rape,’ ‘violence,’ and ‘abuse’?)

7. Does the manuscript describe measures for assessing and minimizing participant harm to the participant?

a. If applicable, was risk of additional/ongoing CSV assessed? If so, does the manuscript discuss whether and how such situations were reported or handled?

b. Does the manuscript discuss measures to minimize distress?

c. Does the manuscript discuss whether participants in distress were offered support resources and/or referrals?