Child Sexual Abuse

See it,
Hear it,
Report it!
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is a form of abuse in which an adult or older adolescent
uses a child for sexual stimulation. There are many forms of child sexual
abuse including but not limited to rape, fondling, sexual assault, exposure,
voyeurism and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. When a
perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically,
sexually, or by acts of neglect, the crime is known as child abuse. Child
sexual abuse does not need to include physical contact between a
perpetrator and a child. Some forms of child sexual abuse include:

Some forms of child sexual abuse include:

The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by

penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as
masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They
may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in
looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual
activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways,
or grooming a child in preparation for abuse. Sexual abuse can take place
online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Sexual abuse
is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of
sexual abuse, as can other children.

It results in harm to thousands of children, boys and girls alike, across a

range of cultures and socio-economic backgrounds in Pakistan. It can be
perpetrated by anybody, both men and women, who could be strangers,
trusted friends or family, and people of all sexual orientations, belonging
to various socio-economic classes, and cultural backgrounds.

The signs of abuse are not always obvious, and learning the warning signs
of Child Sexual Abuse could be life saving. Behavioral or physical
changes could signal that a child is being abused. Some of these warning
signs include:

· Behavioral signs: Shrinking away from or seeming threatened by

physical contact, regressive behaviors like thumb sucking, changing
hygiene routines such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively, age-
inappropriate sexual behaviors, sleep disturbances, or nightmares.

· Physical signs: Bruising or swelling near the genital area, blood on

sheets or undergarments, or broken bones.

· Verbal cues: Using words or phrases that are “too adult” for the
child's age, unexplained silence, or suddenly being less talkative.
Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

Children who have been sexually abused may display a range of emotional
and behavioral reactions which may include:

· An increase in nightmares and/or other sleeping difficulties.

· Withdrawal behavior.
· Angry outbursts.
· Anxiety.
· Depression.
· Not wanting to be left alone with a particular individual(s).
· Sexual knowledge, language, and/or behaviors that is inappropriate
for the child's age.

All children, however, do not show behavioral and emotional changes

upon being sexually abused. It is therefore critical to focus not only on
detection, but on prevention and communication—by teaching children
about body safety and healthy body boundaries, and by encouraging open
communication about sexual matters.

Age-Specific Effects

Very young children might engage in traumatic play in which the child re-
enacts some aspect of the experience. For example, a child may act out
running away from a “bad man” again and again. One may see other signs
of stress, an increase in oppositional or withdrawal behavior, tantrums, or
nightmares. The child might engage in age-inappropriate sexual behavior
such as trying to engage another child in oral-genital contact or simulated
intercourse. The child might talk about her body as being “hurt” or “dirty.”

As children grow into adolescence and develop more autonomy, the

difficulties they can get into may be more serious. Teenagers might be
more likely to abuse substances or engage in high-risk behaviors,
including indiscriminate sexual behavior. A teenager avoiding traumatic
reminders may withdraw socially. Self-cutting and suicidal behaviors are
also more common among adolescents.

Long-term Consequences

Depending on the severity of and number of traumas experienced, child

sexual abuse can have wide-reaching and long-lasting effects. Those who
have suffered multiple traumas and received little parental support may
develop post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Their
ability to trust adults to take care of them may also be jeopardized. Sadly,
when children do not disclose sexual abuse and/or do not receive effective
counseling, they can suffer difficulties long into the future. As one child
expressed it, “Abuse is like a boomerang. If you don't deal with it, it can
come back to hurt you.” On the other hand, children who have the support
of an understanding caregiver and effective treatment can recover without
long-term effects.

When should one react to Child Sexual Abuse

There are three reasons to react to child sexual abuse.

1. Disclosure
A child reported sexual abuse to you.
2. Discovery
You witnessed a sexually abusive act.
3. Suspicion
You witnessed red flag behaviors.
· Crossing a child physical boundaries

· Inappropriate language
· Special attention given to child
· Treating child as a grownup

Before you report

· Tell the child that you are going to talk to someone who can help. Be
clear that you are not asking their permission. The child may not
want you to report and may be frightened, especially if the
perpetrator has threatened them or their loved ones. Remember that
by reporting, you are involving authorities who will be able to keep
the child safe.

· Ensure that the child is in a safe place. If you have concerns over the
child's safety, be sure to discuss them explicitly with authorities
when you make the report. If you fear that the perpetrator will cause
further harm to the child upon learning about the investigation,
clearly communicate this to authorities.

What can be done to Prevent Child Abuse

· Educate yourself and others: Simple support for children and

parents can be the best way to prevent child abuse.
· Teach children their rights: When children are taught they are
special and have the right to be safe, they are less likely to think abuse
is their fault, and more likely to report an offender.
· Support prevention programs: Greater investments are needed in
programs that have been proven to stop the abuse before it occurs -
such as family counseling and home visits by nurses who provide
assistance for newborns and their parents.
· Know what child abuse is: Physical and sexual abuse clearly
constitute maltreatment, but so does neglect, or the failure of parents
or other caregivers to provide a child with needed food, clothing, and
care. Children can also be emotionally abused when they are
rejected, berated, or continuously isolated.

Federal and Provincial Laws relating to CSA

· The Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Act, 2019 is the latest
development on child sexual abuse in Pakistan. This Act makes
provisions for raising alert, response and recovery of missing and
abducted children. The law requires police to register a case within
two hours of a child's parents reporting them missing. It includes
measures to speed up the process, including the establishment of a
dedicated helpline and a new agency to issue alerts for a missing
child it extends to the whole of Pakistan

· The Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) only recognizes child rape after an
act of penetration is established with forensic evidence. Following
laws address child sexual abuse:

· PPC Section 90: Any purported “consent” given by a child under 12

years of ages is considered invalid.

· PPC Section 336-A: Prostitution or procurement of a minor girl

under the age of 18 for sexually intercourse is punishable with
imprisonment which may extend to ten years and also liable to fine.

· PPC 364A: Kidnapping or abducting anyone under the age of 14 will

be dealt with life imprisonment and shall be liable to fine.

· The Protection of Women (Criminal Law Amendment) Act 2006:

Inserted Sections 375 and 376 in Pakistan Penal Code which
categorized different kinds of forced sexual intercourse as a rape.

· Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act 2016: Inserted new

provisions in the Pakistan Penal Code. The insertion of sections
292A, 292B and 292C criminalized the exposure of children to child
pornography and seduction.
 What should one do if one witnesses abuse?
Report it
Reporting a crime like sexual abuse may not be easy,
and it can be emotionally draining. Keep in mind that
reporting abuse gives you the chance to protect
someone who cannot protect themselves.

If you would like further information on this subject, write to;

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child

House # 98, Street # 05,

MPCHS, E-11/1, Islamabad

Tel # 051-2163011, 2163012

Fax # 051-2163013 www.sparcpk.org

Email: islamabad@sparcpk.org Author:

info@sparcpk.org Braishna Saleem