Understanding the Prevalence of Child Abuse in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Study

Abstract

This research was conducted using secondary research methodology to collect data from various sources, primarily the non-governmental organization Sahil, which actively works to safeguard children from sexual abuse in Pakistan. The study has three primary goals, including highlighting the prevalence of child abuse in Pakistan by providing district-specific data, examining which age group and gender are more susceptible to child maltreatment, and identifying the most common forms of child abuse. The data gathered from secondary sources revealed that in 2022, the district of Punjab recorded the maximum number of documented cases of child abuse, while the district of Sindh came in second place. Moreover, according to the data, the age groups (6-10) and (11-15) are highly vulnerable, with females being more susceptible to child abuse (55% of the victims were female, while 45% were male). The secondary data also highlighted the horrifying reality of various forms of child abuse, such as sexual abuse, sodomy, rape, attempted abuse, child pornography, homicide following sexual abuse, and incest. The trend of increasing child abuse in Pakistan requires immediate attention and intervention. Therefore, the current study highlighted pertinent recommendations for combating child maltreatment. This necessitates collaboration between government bodies, non-government organizations, and local communities to identify the fundamental causes of abuse in each region and implement preventive measures accordingly. Prevention, education, and assistance are crucial for addressing this pervasive problem and assuring a safer, healthier future for Pakistan's children.