The Innocent Souls
Pakistan is ripped with several evils. From political instability to ethnic polarization, the country has been in the news for so many bad things. However, the most disturbing and sensitive issue, surrounded by guilt and stigma, is Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), Federal Legislation by US, defines CSA as “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or interfamilial relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children” (National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect, 2005)
Child Sexual Abuse can be manifested in different forms which include sex acts that involve penetration (Rape, Sodomy’; touching the child’s private parts of body; making a child touch the perpetrator’s private parts of body; Voyeurism (when a perpetrator looks at a child’s naked body; Exhibitionism (when a perpetrator shows a child his or her naked body; showing a child pornography or using a child in the production of pornography; child sexual exploitation, such as trafficking or sex trafficking; internet-based child sexual abuse, such as creating, depicting, and/or distributing sexual images of children online; or stalking, grooming, and/or engaging in sexually explicit behaviors with children online.
The issue of child Sexual Abuse is as old as the country itself. Every year, thousands of children are abused and mistreated, which has long term physical, mental and psychological consequences. As per data available, about 12 children are abused daily in the country, out of which maximum are not reported.
There are multiple factors that contribute to child sexual abuse. Research shows that about 55.17 percent the respondents couldn’t figure out the exact causes for the offence against their children. Similarly, in 20.69 percent cases, the offence was committed by the habitual offender, followed by 10 percent cases which include offenders with diverse background such as friends and in 6.9 percent cases the families had enmity with the victim families. In about 3.45 percent cases the alleged offence was committed just to win a bat with friends. Some of the major causes of CSA include 1. Lack of Awareness of Potential Harm to Children and Neglect; 2. Victimization of Accused in their Early Age; Habitual Offender; 3. Score-settling; 4. Easy Access to Pornographic sites; 5. Lack of Outdoor Recreational Activities; 6. Broker Families / Single Parents; 7. Out-of-Court Settlement; 8. Mala fide role of the local Police.
As the issue is of very complex nature, and is triggers by multiple factors’, therefore, it requires a multidimensional approach to counter it. For example, when a case of a sexual abuse is received, the first action is to register an FIR without any delay under the proper sections of law. The police should promptly respond to reports of child sexual abuse. This involves dispatching officers to the scene which include the concern SDPO, SHO and Investigation Officer (IO). Once the concerned officers reach there, they must ensure to preserve the crime scene. In addition, IO under the supervision of SDPO and SHO has to collect preliminary information and evidence. DNA samples and other evidence related to the victim should be collected by IO under the guidance of an SHO. Ensuring the victim’s well-being, privacy, and protection from potential threats is of utmost importance
Moreover, public private partnership is very crucial to raise awareness. Sensitization of public about this issue by involvement of media will play a vital role. In addition, it is important to expose the perpetrators. They don’t deserve any respect. They should be highlighted through media and other forums. The reason is that a very few know about the offenders. Once they are exposed, they will be isolated socially, and a sense of fear will be inculcated in others. Hence, countering CSA should be a joint effort from other stakeholders. It needs serious efforts of professionals and experts, NGOS, civil society, researchers and community-based organizations.
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The writer is a police officer.
A well-written piece and easy to understand, even if the topic is complex. Clear language and explanation.
A well-written piece and easy to understand, even the topic is complex. Clear language and explanation.