PESHAWAR: Speakers at a training session on prevention of child abuse on Sunday disclosed that 12 children became victims of sexual abuse every day.

The session was organised by Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), a German non-profit organisation.

The speakers also pointed out that 4,253 child abuse cases were reported in 2022, which was 30 per cent increase from 2021, according to a statement issued by FNF Pakistan.

With teachers, social workers, lawyers, students, journalists and representatives from different relevant departments present on the occasion, the session was informed that the state was responsible for promotion and protection of child rights.

Child rights expert Imran Takar briefed the participants on different aspects of child abuse. He said child abuse often led to various psychological problems, causing victims to grow up fearful and experience mental health issues.

FNF Pakistan’s head of the programme Mohammad Anwar stated that symptoms of sexual abuse included frightening behaviour such as nightmares, depression, abnormal fear, attempts to run away, and development of extremely inappropriate sexual behaviour for the child’s age.

He pointed out that 50 per cent of child abuse victims were acquainted with their abusers, who could come from any class, caste, religion or ethnic group. He added the abuser could be a man, woman, child, acquaintance of the child, or a complete stranger.

On the occasion, senior journalist Shamim Shahid informed the participants of the root causes of the children-related issues like uncontrolled increase in population and political instability in the country.

He said due to economic problems, parents often sent their children to work. He said the state was responsible for promotion and protection of child rights.

He said laws were in place for promotion and protection of human rights, but they could not be implemented. He said in order to overcome the issue there was an urgent need for all stakeholders to work together.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2023