Violence Against Children in Pakistan: Prevalence, Prevention, and Legal Responses

Abstract

There is no denying the fact that violence against children is one of the issues that needs to be addressed, as it is directly related to the well-being of children in Pakistan. Therefore, this study assumes the extent of various forms of violence against children in Pakistan, how these may be dealt with, and the legal remedies for these issues. Children from other classes of society in Pakistan are exposed to this social ill of child abuse. The pattern of child abuses in Pakistan, its causes, prevalence, protection strategies, and legal responses are all called out in this study. A mixed qualitative and quantitative research approach which included the use of surveys focus group discussions and secondary data was used. Facts and figures collected show that the nature of abuse includes physical, sexual, psychological, neglect, etc which is common in most given communities where the majority of people are poor, there is a soft legal structure, and cultural practices of abuse are rather common. Laws on child protection are rarely enforced where such laws exist despite commitments and even within societies reporting such abuse is often viewed negatively. The study seeks to deploy better community-based primary prevention approaches, changes in the law, and health education campaigns. Policymakers should be alerted to the present research as it seeks to address deficiencies in preventative approaches and legislation that exist in Pakistan.