OUR failure to curb child abuse exposes not only the hollowness of the criminal justice system, but also society’s callous attitude.

Delays in reporting missing children’s cases affect police response. Child sexual abuse inflicted by a family member is in itself a significant barrier for the victims’ access to the justice.

We live in a society where fear and cultural taboos make it difficult to uncover cases of abuse. Parents’ unwillingness to subject their children to the medico-legal process is also a deterrent.

Most police staff is not well-trained in handling such complaints. This benefits perpetrators of child sexual abuse.

National and provincial legislatures need to review existing child protection laws while reforming the existing apparatus.

Every child deserves a safe childhood and this is an achievable goal. The existing apparatus requires reforms for safeguarding the permanent value of chastity enshrined in the Holy Quran.

Sajjad Hussain Nekokara
Chiniot

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2019