Daily Times

A debate took social media by storm when a resolution was passed unanimously in the National Assembly on 7th February approving of public hanging of therapists in cases of sexual abuse of a child. The division, disagreement can be seen amongst the ruling party members where some of the members are supporting the initiation of the resolution and the other group is looking at as a violation of human rights on moral and religious grounds. It seems that though in Zainab Ansari case the culprit was hanged, a rise is visible in the number of such cases all across Pakistan, in cities, in rural areas and the common features are that the culprits are the close relatives or very near and dear trusted ones. We can say that maybe people have started reporting the cases more or may be media has started exposing such issues more frequently ,which can be taken as something positive. As per a report presented to Senate s Special Committee on Child Protection on January 27th it was shared that 3,832 cases of child abuse were registered in the country during 2018 of which 2,403 cases were registered in Punjab, 1,016 in Sindh, 143 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 98 in Balochistan, 130 in Islamabad, 34 in AJK and 60 cases in Gilgit-Baltistan.Another report published in Pakistan today on 5th February – 3,881 cases of rape, 1,359 cases of child sexual abuse registered in Punjab in 2019. These are just the reported cases and we never know how many are pushed under the carpet in the name of shame respect of the families. What makes children Vulnerable? Is it the lack of communication between the parent and the child and the so-called barriers of culture and manners and religious directives? Is it the poor economic condition and rampant growth of population, creating room and opportunities for the little souls to be the victims? Is it the so-called religious images pretending to be least bothered about worldly stuff apparently and availing the opportunity where ever they get a chance, having more lustrous desires than any one else? Is it the technology letting the mentally sick and evil access every information and content and ultimately leashing out the evil desires whatever opportunity they come across?

Child sexual abuse is defined as the exploitation of a child by an adult, an adolescent or an older child even. It circumscribes a wide range of behaviours including use of force for sexual assault, sexual molestation, fondling, Voyereuism and rape. There are some very visible symptoms if a child is sexually abused or assaulted. Like withdrawal from normal activities, changes in behavior can go to isolation, can be more aggressive, can be afraid of, reluctant to be in gathering, reluctant to go home or to go to school, rebellious or defiant. Unfortunately such behaviors if seen in a child are associated with very other generic reasons as parents usually would see the changes with their own lenses of experience.

Pakistani society is a predominantly religious and conservative society with strong cultural values and norms again camouflaged in religion we are living in apparently in a society where adults are the source of knowledge source of inspiration and have the decision making authority as well as are the role models of modesty. They would talk about everything to the child all dos and donts but unfortunately not his or her body and its protection. The private parts are hidden as it is taken as religious directive since childhood and its a taboo to talk about the biological differences and changes and the threats to these parts .resultantly child abuse happening every wherein family, of all walks of life, in madaris in schools colleges etc. Reporting these cases is still issues and the victims and their families are usually reluctant as it brings shame to the family or the complicated procedures of justice.In the same context advent of technology 3G 4G networks have made it so easy to access the information and knowledge which is forbidden fruit as per the societal and cultural norms.

Looking at the victims’ researchers have their findings that children with low esteem, living in a suppressed environment, with poor economic conditios, with mental and physical abuse, experiencing violence are more vulnerable to such incidents of abuse

A contradictory confusing scenario prevailing where the porn videos websites are adding up to the frustration and igniting the sexual desires and on the other hand religion and society prohibiting the fulfilment of those desires until unless one gets into the social contract of marriage.The result is evident in the form of child abuse cases.The recent videos in Madaris and by the so-called religious teachers are an eveidence again of the hypocrisy of some of Criminal Molvis are into in the name of teaching the Holy scripture.It also shows how blind we become in trusting the people who come to us with the reference of religion.The rampant growth in population is again can be one of the factors as the parents with poor economic conditions having more children.They are just concerned with enough food and that’s it they are least bothered how this money is earned leading the children on these dark paths. Looking at the victims’ researchers have their findings that children with low esteem, living in a suppressed environment, with poor economic conditios, with mental and physical abuse, experiencing violence are more vulnerable to such incidents of abuse. Besides a lack of appropriate knowledge about child development and physical changes can also lead the children. The moment a case is heard or reported the hate and anger is targeted to the culprit. There is a possibility that some of them may be suffering from a psychiatric disorder called Paedophilia in which an adult or adolescent feels special sexual attraction towards children, particularly towards prepubescent child or children.

There can be multiple reasons for this disorder however it’s not necessary that all the child abusers are pedophilic and sexual abuse may occur due to the aforementioned reasons.We still are looking for a preventive and responsive mechanism for the protection of children. The role of National Child protection commission and Provincial Child protection Commissions is yet to be seen. Child abuse cases need to be dealt with a holistic approach instead of just emphasizing on the punishments. The state has enough resources and with the collaboration of civil society organizations, at least research-based solutions and legislations can be taken into account. The research may look into the common reasons and findings in all such cases and preventive measures can be suggested. Parents have to give children the trust to talk and share whatever they go through no matter it’s the smallest issue Schools have yet to play their role and they must as the student-teacher relationship can be more effective if it comes to the dos and don ts regarding a child s body. During a training session a question popped up what is your definition of a beautiful woman and it wasn’t surprising to hear from the young students that the Wo jo Bahaya hoti hay aur Bawaf Hoti hay.I just inquired shouldn’t it be the same for man? And they started thinking. Media needs to highlight such social issues frequently for education and awareness.

Your child is your asset ,give him or her trust and confidence to understand the evil thoughts and actions trying to drag him or her towards something that may either shatter their lives or deprive them off from their life forever.

The writer has experience in the field of education and is currently working as a resource person in the development sector