WHISPERS UNVEILED: A STUDY OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

Child harassment, also known as "Bad Touch” is an issue faced by children aged 5 to 15 in Pakistani society and around the world. Unfortunately, many children are unaware of what constitutes bad touch or harassment and often fail to address such incidences with their families or caregivers. It is important to note that harassers utilize tactics to have complete control of their victims to exploit and manipulate them not to share it with anyone around them. Additionally, when it comes to adults and children harassers often exploit the power dynamic. Children are inherently disadvantaged compared to adults. On the other hand, there could be a fear of judgment about how it may disrupt family dynamics that hold a child to share. Harassment has long-term effects on the victim's personality, and mental and physical health, such as headaches, stress, and anxiety, significantly affecting a child's emotional well-being. Continuous harassment can also erode their self-esteem. Therefore, parents must educate their children about harassment that can come within their social circle. Parents should actively engage with their children by not merely asking about their routine. When they do not create a friendly bond with their children and not create a good environment, not spend quality time with their children, not pay attention, a child needs a harasser to take advantage of and do bad things to the child. According to the article Child sexual abuse up by 33% in 2022 (The Express Tribune, 2023) published on March 21 2023 by Sahil NGO workers that reported a 33% increase in child harassment cases compared to 2021 in Pakistan. The ratio shows that girls account for 55% of the victims while boys make up the remaining 45%. It's alarming that there isn't a discussion on this topic in our country. It's a huge issue but no one talks about it without paying much attention and spreading awareness.