In a deeply distressing revelation, a recent report sheds light on the alarming prevalence of child sexual abuse in Pakistan. According to the “Cruel Number” report compiled by Sahil NGO, an organization dedicated to combating child sexual abuse, a staggering 2,227 children fell victim to sexual exploitation in the first half of this year alone.
The statistics presented in the report are both shocking and heart-wrenching. Within the aforementioned six-month period, an average of nearly 12 children, or to be precise, 2,227 children, were subjected to sexual abuse. This grim reality underscores the urgent need for robust action to safeguard the nation’s children from such heinous crimes.
Of the total victims, 1,207 were girls and 1,020 were boys, illustrating that child sexual abuse is not confined to any specific gender. This highlights the importance of addressing the issue holistically without overlooking any section of the society.
Tragically, the report reveals even more horrifying incidents, where one boy and one girl lost their lives due to gang sodomy and rape. In addition, 201 children were reported missing from their homes, raising concerns about their safety and well-being. The report also uncovers 14 cases of early child marriages and one instance of Vani – a practice that must be vehemently condemned and eradicated.
Disturbingly, the individuals responsible for these crimes are often known to the victims and their families. Acquaintances, including friends and family members, topped the list of perpetrators. Out of the total reported cases, a staggering 912 incidents involved abusers who had a connection to the victim or their family. Furthermore, 498 cases were linked to strangers who exploited children, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prevention measures.
The report provides insight into the ages of the victims, revealing that children as young as infants to those in their late teenage years have fallen prey to sexual abuse. The breakdown indicates that 123 cases involved children aged 0 to 5 years, 376 cases involved children aged 6 to 10 years, 674 cases involved children aged 11 to 15 years, and 287 cases involved children aged 16 to 18 years.
The locations where these horrendous acts occurred are equally distressing. The data indicates that 253 children were abused in their own homes, while 348 were abused at the perpetrators’ residences. Shockingly, 780 children endured abuse in open areas such as fields, streets, and jungles, highlighting the vulnerability of children even in public spaces.
Breaking down the cases by province, the report indicates that Punjab had the highest number of reported incidents with 1,648 cases, followed by Sindh with 314 cases, Balochistan with 24 cases, KP with 74 cases, AJK with 4 cases, and ICT with 161 cases.
As advocates for child rights and safety raise their voices, the civil society calls upon the government to launch effective awareness campaigns to protect children from such atrocities. Urgent legislative measures are also being emphasized to combat this evil, along with the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation and support system for abuse victims. Additionally, there’s a growing demand for the integration of protection messages into educational curricula to empower children with knowledge and awareness.
Read More: Boys Suffer More Sexual Abuse than Girls in Punjab, Report Finds
The harrowing reality brought to light by the “Cruel Number” report is a somber reminder that there’s much work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of Pakistan’s children. The call for a concerted effort to enact change is louder than ever, as the nation unites to combat child sexual abuse and exploitation.
