CHILD SEXUALABUSE IN PAKISTAN; ITS CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND PREVENTIONS

Abstract

Children are not objects to be used or misused neither are they broken toys to be discarded (Holmes & Holmes, 2002). Although child abuse is a global issue, the situation in Pakistan is particularly concerning. According to a research by a nongovernmental organisation, sexual assault of minors occurred in Pakistan on average 12 times every day in 2023, or one every two hours (Hussain, 2023) . A child's health and general personality are negatively impacted by the severe physical and psychological effects of child sexual abuse. While anxiety, terror, or post-traumatic stress disorder are frequent long-term effects, shock, dread, or disbelief are common instant reactions to sexual abuse. The consequences of sexual assault on victims are severe, long-lasting, and have an enormous effect on our society.