A confidential report from the home department of Punjab has brought to light the alarming increase in child abuse cases within the region. The report highlights the disturbing fact that boys are more frequently victimized compared to girls in these heinous crimes.
Perpetrators and their Proximity to the Victims
The report reveals that a staggering 55 percent of the individuals facing trial for child abuse were neighbors of the victims, while 32 percent were strangers and 13 percent were relatives.
Regional Disparities and Factors Hindering Control
To gather data on child abuse in Punjab, the home department collected information from various regions. The report indicates that Rawalpindi and Lahore have the lowest occurrence of crimes against children compared to other divisions in the province.
The report identifies several significant factors that hinder the control of sexual crimes against children in Punjab. These factors include fear, cultural taboos, and parents’ reluctance to subject their children to medico-legal examinations.
Isolation, Contributing Factors, and High Incidents
Victims often face isolation due to a lack of support from family, friends, and the community, which leads them to hesitate in reporting the abuse. Additionally, socioeconomic stresses, unemployment, low self-confidence, and psychological unrest are cited as contributing factors.
In the first five and a half months of this year alone, Punjab reported a total of 1,390 child abuse incidents, with boys constituting 69 percent of the victims. Gujranwala had the highest number of incidents, followed by DG Khan, Faisalabad, and Multan.
Recommendations to Address the Issue
The report provides several recommendations to effectively address the issue of child abuse in Punjab. These recommendations include raising awareness among the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and establishing a dedicated team of professionals.
The report emphasizes the importance of coordination among stakeholders, training programs for professionals, and the effective implementation of child protection laws. It also highlights the need for special courts to handle child abuse cases, enhanced capacity of law enforcement agencies, and the involvement of the Ministry of Human Rights.
Furthermore, the report underscores the significance of support services such as counseling, medical assistance, legal aid, and rehabilitation programs for the victims and their families.
