Childhood sexual abuse is a harsh reality that reverberates across Pakistan. In the quiet corners of our society, survivors bear the weight of their traumatic experiences—emotional scars etched deep within. Today, we illuminate this dark corner, unraveling the impact of child sexual abuse. We delve into its far-reaching consequences, advocate for awareness, and champion healing and justice.
Abubakar Muawiyah, a cleric accused of raping a young boy in Faisalabad, faced arrest by the police. However, his release followed the intervention of another religious cleric, Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer. In a video circulating on social media, Muawiyah, in handcuffs, receives a stern rebuke from a senior police officer. His feeble excuse—that the boy was merely “massaging his feet”—elicits an angry response: “I will hold Ulema accountable. Aren’t you afraid of Allah?”
According to the boy’s father, Muddasar, his son’s cries led him to a neighboring house. There, he witnessed Muawiyah, unclothed and armed, attempting to rape the child. Muawiyah fled when people gathered, threatening them with his gun. Allama Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer stepped in, and the victim’s father forgave Muawiyah, invoking “Allah ki Raza.” Zaheer clarified that it was all a “misunderstanding.”
This case reflects a larger problem—one that persists due to cultural norms and religious complexities. It’s time to prioritize child safety, break the silence, and ensure justice prevails.
A Silent Pandemic
1. Alarming Statistics:
A total of 2,227 cases of child sexual abuse were reported to authorities between January and June that year, which is staggering
The majority of abuse cases involved children between six and 15 years old.
In 2023, an average of 12 children per day (or one every two hours) were subjected to sexual abuse in Pakistan.
2. Incidents in 2022:
In 2022, a total of 4,253 cases of child sexual abuse were reported across Pakistan.
The cases fell under major categories:
Abduction: 1,656 children.
Rape: 422 children.
Sodomy: 537 children.
Gang Rape: 75 children.
Gang Sodomy: 156 children.
Murder after sexual abuse: 81 cases.
Abduction cases with sexual abuse: 178 cases.
Missing children: 330 cases.
3. High-Risk Populations and Predictors:
80% of offenders against children are relatives (13%) or are known to them (68%). Offenders are usually male (90%).
Most victims are known to the offender. Children between six and 15 years old are most vulnerable.
Girls are more likely to be victims than offenders. 50-70% of offenders have other sexual deviancies. According to the Abel study, young boys were molested 5 times more than young girls.
In 50% cases paraphiliac tendencies developed before the age of 18. Offenders are likely to have been abused as a child themselves. 75-80% offenders have no previous convictions. 71% child sexual offenders repeated their offense against children only. Within 6 years, 13% of offenders are reconvicted (Hanson 2009). Those who offend boys have higher re-offense rates (13-40%).
Denial Or Plain Ignorance? What Are The Barriers To Reporting
It is quite evident that as a nation, even on an official level, we do not take childhood sexual abuse cases as seriously as we should. Apart from illiteracy, unbalanced power dynamics and poor socioeconomic conditions, what other barriers are our children facing. Let's take a look..
1. From the Child’s Perspective: Reporting to Parents
Fear and Shame:
Children often fear repercussions if they disclose abuse. The shame associated with being a victim can silence them.
Cultural norms emphasize family honor, making children hesitant to tarnish their family’s reputation.
Lack of Trust:
Trust in parental support varies. Some children fear disbelief or blame from their parents.
Abusers may manipulate children into believing that reporting will harm their family.
Dependency on Abusers:
If the abuser is a family member or close relative, children may rely on them for basic needs.
Reporting could jeopardize their safety or stability.
2. From the Parent’s Perspective: Reporting to Authorities or Confronting Offenders
Cultural Stigma and Shame:
Parents hesitate to involve authorities due to cultural norms. Family matters are often kept private.
Reporting sexual abuse is particularly taboo, as it brings shame to the entire family.
Fear of Retaliation:
Parents worry that confronting the offender directly may lead to retaliation.
Fear of endangering their child or other family members prevents them from taking action.
Lack of Clarity in Reporting Processes:
Parents find reporting processes unclear within institutions and facilities.
The absence of clear guidelines adds to their concerns.
Ensuring The Safety Of Our Children - Areas Of Improvement
By drawing insights from successful management plans implemented globally, we can enhance our reporting mechanisms and ensure swift action against offenders. Here are key steps that Pakistani authorities can take:
Public Awareness Campaigns:
Launch nationwide campaigns to educate the public about child abuse, its signs, and the importance of reporting.
Use various media channels (TV, radio, social media) to reach diverse audiences.
School-Based Programs:
Introduce age-appropriate child protection education in schools.
Train teachers and school staff to recognize signs of abuse and report promptly.
Community-Based Reporting Mechanisms:
Establish community centers where children and adults can report abuse confidentially.
Train local volunteers to handle reports and connect victims with appropriate services.
Hotlines and Helplines:
Set up toll-free helplines for reporting child abuse. The ZARRA initiative was a good step forward in the right direction but has not yet reached its full potential, partly owing to the government’s deficiencies.
Ensure trained professionals handle calls and provide guidance.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks:
Review and update existing child protection laws.
Ensure strict penalties for offenders.
Simplify reporting procedures for victims and witnesses.
Multi-Agency Collaboration:
Create inter-agency task forces involving police, social workers, health professionals, and NGOs.
Coordinate efforts to investigate cases and provide holistic support to victims.
Child-Friendly Interview Rooms:
Design child-friendly spaces for interviews and examinations.
Minimize trauma during investigations.
Victim Support Services:
Establish safe houses and counseling centers for abused children.
Provide legal aid and psychological support.
Data Collection and Analysis:
Regularly collect data on reported cases.
Analyze trends to inform policy and resource allocation.
International Cooperation:
Collaborate with international organizations and learn from successful models in other countries.
Attend conferences and workshops to exchange best practices.
Conclusion:
As we navigate the complexities of child sexual abuse in Pakistan, we confront denial, cultural norms, and systemic challenges. The recent cases involving religious clerics underscore the urgency of action. We must dismantle the barriers—raising awareness, strengthening legal frameworks, and empowering victims.
By breaking the silence, we protect our children and pave the way for a safer, more just society. Let us stand together, unwavering, in defense of innocence.
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