Child rape epidemic
Due to significant increase in reporting and awareness, it has come to light that Pakistan is facing a rape epidemic. Over the past few years, reports and supporting statistics have shown that the problem is increasing by the day and is much worse than we thought. No one is safe, not even children. NGO Sahil had reported that 8 children on average are sexually or physically abused every day in Pakistan.
Another gruesome revelation has come to the forefront: 118 adolescents were raped in the last 10 months in Faisalabad district. An aura of fear now grips the entire city as parents remain frightened and vigilant to protect their young ones. What is even more lamentable, but not shocking, is the fact that there has not been a single conviction because of the negligence of the police who did not collect evidence. While the government may have initiated a few recovery and rehabilitation programmes, not much has been done to understand or eliminate this social evil from our society. Police stations are not provided with a set protocol when dealing with instances of rape while the victim and their family remain unaware of how to seek justice. As a result, many refrain from filing cases while some opt for reconciliation. Officials concerned, including our PM, believe that the root of the problem is moral degradation which in turn leads to lust addiction. Then they are quick to blame women and their clothing. They could not be more wrong. The situation is much more complex than that and we must consider the socio-economic and psychological factors that play a significant role in this.
The government must carry out a scoping study to examine and analyse the situation and take timely action. Justice must be served and abusers punished. Moreover, in order to identify the intention or motives behind such crimes, perpetrators must be psychologically examined. Like it or not, they are a product of our own society.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 14th, 2021.
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