Sir: Child molestation is an extremely serious issue which needs to be highlighted. It has been taking place behind the curtain for years, but nobody will talk about it because the topic was considered taboo. Because of this, it remained swept under the carpet, and this only emboldened the perpetrator’s. Because of this, many children have become victims of sexual abuse. Thankfully, the Pakistani media has played a very important role by shedding light on the issue, and doing away with taboo’s which made it difficult to nab child abusers. This is a pressing issue and people need to be informed about it, especially parents because many of them are hesitant about discussing such matters with their children, and this goes on to cause more child abuse. Parents need to make their children aware of this phenomenon no matter how disturbing it is, and teach them how to protect themselves and about appropriate and inappropriate behaviour. This is essential, because in most cases, innocent children are victims of incest, neighbours or other people they know. It would be wrong if I say only young girls are targeted. Any child can be a victim of sexual abuse, regardless of gender. By and by, our culture is becoming more barbaric and savage. Many a time it happens that children get abused, and then killed by the perpetrator. More often they are threatened or shamed into keeping the occurrence a secret. Sometimes children have been abused but they are not even aware of it due to lack of awareness about what is right and wrong. Media running a campaigns through which they are spreading awareness using visual and auditory messages. This started after the infamous Zainab rape and murder case shocked the entire country. NGOs also making very important role in addressing society and teaching it about such issues. But the government also needs to take strict action against these offenders and give them exemplary punishment. MARYAM MAJEED Karachi Published in Daily Times, May 23rd 2018.