Tag: child abuse

  • 69 per cent of child abuse victims are boys, report reveals

    69 per cent of child abuse victims are boys, report reveals

    A ‘confidential’ report from the home department has revealed that the number of boys facing atrocities of child abuse is higher than that of girls in Punjab.

    Dawn shared the findings of the said report on Friday, revealing that during the first five and a half months of 2023, a total of 1,390 incidents of child abuse were reported in Punjab, among them 69 per cent were boys while 31 per cent were girls.

    The report identified several key factors hindering the control of sexual crimes against children and it also provided recommendations to combat them.

    The report disclosed that out of all the culprits facing trials in courts in cases of child abuse, 55 per cent were neighbors, 32 per cent were strangers, and 13 per cent were relatives.

    Furthermore, the report revealed that Gujranwala region/division reported the highest number of child abuse incidents (220), followed by DG Khan (199), Faisalabad (186), Multan (140), Bahawalpur (129), Sheikhupura (128), Sahiwal (127), Sargodha (103), and others. The Rawalpindi region and Lahore city had the lowest numbers, with 69 and 89 cases, respectively.

    “It is also concerning that many cases go unreported. Fear and cultural taboos in our society make it difficult to report such crimes,” read the findings of the report. It underscored that lack of support from family members, friends, neighbors, or the community makes it immensely difficult for the victim to speak up against the abuser.

    The home department recommended that the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) play a more active role in child protection. It suggested that the CPWB should have a dedicated team of professionals, including child protection officers, psychologists, law officers, and doctors, to safeguard children from abuse and aid victim rehabilitation.

    The report stressed the need for a well-defined coordination mechanism among different stakeholders, including police, parents, CPWBs, and relevant federal and provincial agencies. It strongly recommended that national and provincial legislatures review existing child protection laws and reform the existing apparatus.

    The home department has sent the report to the Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) and the Regional Police Officers (RPOs) for strict implementation of provided recommendations.

  • How to use familiar language with children to tell them about good and bad touch

    How to use familiar language with children to tell them about good and bad touch

    It seems that instances of child molestation and sexual abuse will never end.

    An 8 year girl in Islamabad was sexually assaulted in Shahzad Town area on Friday. The rapist managed to escape from the crime scene, in the presence of area residents.

    This should worry us all. As parents, as guardians, as relatives and as friends of people who have baby girls, who we dote on, we should all be alarmed.
    When discussing the topic of good touch and bad touch with your minor kids, it’s important to approach the conversation in a gentle and age-appropriate manner. Here are some suggestions on how to have a soft and conversational discussion:

    Choose an appropriate time and setting

    Find a calm and comfortable environment where your children feel at ease and can focus on the conversation without distractions.

    Use simple and understandable language:

    Adapt your language to the age of your children. Use words and phrases that they can easily understand and relate to. Avoid using complex or scary terms.

    Start with positive touches:

    Begin the conversation by talking about different types of touches that are generally considered good or positive. For example, you can mention hugs from family members, holding hands with friends, or receiving a pat on the back.

    Define personal boundaries

    Explain to your children that their bodies are their own and that they have the right to decide who can touch them and how. Teach them to recognize and trust their instincts when they feel uncomfortable with a touch or a situation.

    Introduce the concept of bad touches

    In a calm and reassuring manner, explain that there are certain touches that are not appropriate or safe. Emphasize that no one should touch their private parts (parts covered by a swimsuit) except for medical reasons and only in the presence of a trusted adult, like a doctor or parent.

    Encourage open communication

    Let your children know that they can always come to you or another trusted adult to talk about any uncomfortable experiences or if they have any questions. Assure them that they won’t get in trouble for speaking up and that you are there to support and protect them.

    Role-play and practice scenarios

    Engage in role-playing activities where you and your children can practice different scenarios. Teach them to say “no” assertively and to seek help from a trusted adult if they encounter an uncomfortable touch.

    Reinforce the message over time

    Remember that this conversation is not a one-time event. As your children grow and develop, it’s important to reinforce the message regularly and adapt the conversation to their increasing understanding.

    Use age-appropriate resources

    Consider using age-appropriate books, videos, or online resources that discuss the topic of good touch and bad touch in a child-friendly manner. These resources can complement your conversation and help reinforce the concepts.

    Remember, the goal is to create a safe and open space for your children to ask questions and understand the importance of boundaries and consent.

  • TRIGGER WARNING: Lodhran court sentences man to 25 years in prison for raping daughter

    A court in the Lodhran has sentenced a man to 25 years in prison and subjected to Rs 1,00,000 fine for torturing and raping his 15 year old daughter, as reported by Express Tribune.

    The rape case was filed by the survivor’s paternal aunt, Yasan, who revealed that she was suspicious when the father, Irshad, brought the girl to her house unconscious.

    The complainant told the police that after the girl woke up, she confessed to her aunt that her father had drugged and tortured her. When she and other witnesses approached Irshad, he confessed to the crime.

    The aunt urged the police to take strict action against the rapist.

  • ‘Support us to stop child abuse on 5th Jan’: Nadia Jamil urges followers

    ‘Support us to stop child abuse on 5th Jan’: Nadia Jamil urges followers

    Actress Nadia Jamil has been at the forefront of demanding better conditions for orphaned children, providing a prominent voice for children who are sold into begging or prostitution. Today, the actress used her Twitter platform to remind followers that on January 5, a protest would be held on Liberty Roundabout in Lahore at 11 am to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and neglect. Her post read:

    “Tomorrow is #Jan5th Please tag as many Lahores as you can,2 ask them 2 show up @ Liberty Market Roundabout @ 11am. We are walking 2 #SayNoToChildAbuse Be part of the solution. Silence encourages the crime! Give a voice 2 children who have no voice. Step out of your comfort zone.”

    The actress has consistently used her social media platform to educate her followers on the rights of children, especially spreading awareness on how important it is for parents to take mental assesment and therapy before choosing to have children.

    Jamil also explained that her desire to spread awareness on child sexual abuse and encourage better policies towards protection of children was due to her own experience of facing sexual abuse as a child. She wrote that she hopes to be more responsible and take care of children around her.

    Nadia Jamil had spoken up about suffering from sexual abuse as a child when in a Twitter post, she shared how it had taken two years for her to fight the depression and sadness she had felt after the experience, but now was healed and thriving.

  • Child actors behind 1968 film ‘Romeo and Juliet’ sue Paramount Pictures over nude scene

    Child actors behind 1968 film ‘Romeo and Juliet’ sue Paramount Pictures over nude scene

    Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who starred in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures for child abuse and exploitation. Both Hussey and Whiting starred in the film when they were 15 and 16 years old respectively, winning Golden Globes for their performance.

    According to the suit filed in Santa Monica last week, the actors said that a bedroom scene in the filmed with both actors in the nude while their breasts and buttocks were visible. They have said that this amounts to child exploitation. The suit followed with the revelation that the film’s director Franco Zeffireli, who died in 2019, had pressurized both actors into performing the scene, warning them that otherwise ‘the film would fail’. The director had promised both his leads that there would be no nude scenes and both actors would be covered by flesh-colored underwear.

    “Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating indecency and exploitation of minors for profit,” the suit has alleged.

    The statement further revealed how both actors, who are now in their 70’s, suffered mental and emotional anguish in the five and a half decades since the film’s release, and did limited effort to progress their careers.

    The actors representative, Solomon Gresen, spoke with AFP about how Paramount Pictures had participated in sexual exploitation of the children, since both actors were under 16 years old and their nude scenes were visible in the film.

    “(Paramount) have images that they know are images of underage nudity that should be removed from the film. That would be the beginning for sure. Sexually explicit images of children are bad and they shouldn’t be tolerated. If they were under 16, then they’re under 16. It’s a sexually explicit image of an underage person, it should be forbidden.”

  • Mehdi Kazmi, wife will meet daughter for the first time in six months

    Mehdi Kazmi, wife will meet daughter for the first time in six months

    Mehdi Kazmi and his wife will meet their daughter tomorrow (Thursday) at the Child Protection Centre on the orders of Sindh High Court (SHC).

    “Finally after six months on directions of Hon’ SHC Mehdi Kazmi & his wife will meet with their daughter tomorrow at the Child Protection Centre & Sec Health has been directed to appoint two Mental Health Experts to evaluate the child for any trauma and mental state,” lawyer Jibran Nasir wrote in a tweet.

    Their 15-year-old daughter was allegedly kidnapped from Karachi. She married Zaheer Ahmed in Lahore. The court had earlier sent the girl to a shelter home following her recovery from Punjab.

  • Chinese national arrested for raping teenage girl for months in Islamabad

    Chinese national arrested for raping teenage girl for months in Islamabad

    The girl had filed a complaint against the Chinese national at the Koral police station in the capital.

    According to First Information Report (FIR), the 16-year-old girl is a grade 9 student who has been working as a translator for a Chinese national on a monthly pay of Rs15,000 since May 2021.
    The man raped her for months, threatening her with dire consequences if she resisted.

    The girl became pregnant but did not tell her family. Her elder sister, however, found out and rushed her to a private hospital in F-8, where doctors found her to be over 31 weeks pregnant. Later, the sister approached the police to file a report.

    According to the police, the suspect had been arrested and his passport has also been confiscated.

  • Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    At least 133 women were kidnapped and as many as 85 were subjected to rape in Pakistan in the month of July alone, a report has revealed.

    The data has been compiled by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the Centre for Research, Development and Communication (CRDC). The cases that have been reported in mainstream media are added in the report.

    Punjab

    A total of 77 cases of physical assault were reported in Punjab — 93 women in Punjab were abducted, 47 cases of sexual assault cases were recorded. As far as domestic violence cases are concerned, Punjab reported 58 cases. Three honour killing incidents took place. At least five cases of workplace harassment were reported in the province. In July, 42 children were sexually abused and 30 children were kidnapped. Meanwhile, 10 children were murdered and eight child labour cases were reported. 10 cases of physical violence against children were recorded. The province also reported three cases of child marriage.

    Sindh

    Sindh recorded 34 physical assault cases. A total of 20 cases of abduction took place, 16 women were subjected to rape, 15 cases of domestic violence were reported and in the name of honour killing, four women were killed in Sindh. Moreover, two work harassment incidents were reported in the province. Over July, 21 children were sexually abused,13 children were kidnapped from Sindh, 14 children were physically abused while five children were murdered in the province. Three cases of child marriage were reported.

    Islamabad

    Six incidents of physical assault occurred in the capital and 15 cases of kidnapping were reported. 10 cases of rape were reported. Four cases of domestic abuse were reported. Ten children were sexually abused and eight children were kidnapped. Two incidents of physical abuse against children were reported and two children were murdered.

    Balochistan

    The province had no reported case of physical assault. Two cases of abduction were reported during the month of July. Balochistan reported one rape incident. When it comes to domestic violence, Balochistan registered zero such incidents. Three children were sexually abused in Balochistan and four children were kidnapped. No physical abuse case was reported. Two children were murdered.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    16 incidents of physical assault were reported, three cases of abduction occurred, 11 cases of rape were reported and17 cases of domestic violence were reported in KP. 32 children were sexually abused and 27 children were kidnapped. 11 cases of physical violence against children were reported and three children were murdered. One child labour case was reported.

    DATADownload

  • Eshal Fayyaz hits out at troll for slut-shaming her

    Eshal Fayyaz hits out at troll for slut-shaming her

    Actor Eshal Fayyaz has clapped back at a troll on Instagram for slut shaming her under the comment section of her recent post.

    The troll told her to show her talent and not her body. He also used some derogatory terms for the Kaaf Kangana star.

    Eshal Fayyaz Looks Gorgeous In Her Bold Photoshoot - Lens

    Eshal replied to him by saying that it is her social media account and he can unfollow her. She also stated that the dirt is in his mindset and not her post.

    Last year, in a rare and candid interview, Fayyaz opened up about being sexually assaulted by her abusive stepfather.

    Speaking to Nida Yasir on her Ramzan special show Shaan e Sahoor, Eshal said: “My biological father died when I was 3-4 years old after that my mother got married again.”

    “My stepfather tried to rape me multiple times and I decided enough is enough when he attempted for the fourth time. I shared it with my sister and together we told my mother. After that, she divorced him and never got married again.”

    The actress also clarified rumours of her alleged marriage with Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar (KRQ).

    When Nida asked her about these rumours, Eshal said that she had no idea who spread these rumours.

    “When the rumours of my and Khalil-ur-Rehman’s marriage spread, I was so afraid that I locked myself in the room and I was sitting alone, crying in my room,” said Eshal. “My mother explained to me that sitting in fear will not do anything. Go in front of people and explain, after which I faced the public and clarified all the rumours.”

    The actor further said that Qamar is like family to her and lashed out at social media for spreading false rumours. Fayyaz further remarked that life was very easy when social media didn’t exist but after its takeover people have become negative and harass others.

    Talking about her next project, Eshal said that she is working on her next film Mein Hoon Teri Gulnaz, which will also be produced by KRQ. Qamar and Eshal had earlier also worked together in Kaaf Kangana.

    Eshal had appeared on the show with Ismat Zaidi, Javeria Abbasi and Nazish Jahangir.

  • Punjab govt to declare rape emergency after rise in cases

    Punjab govt to declare rape emergency after rise in cases

    Punjab Home Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Sunday that the Punjab government will declare an emergency following an increase in rape and sodomy cases in the province.

    Tarar said that the increase in rape cases is a cause of concern for both society and government officials.

    “Four to five cases of rape are being reported daily in Punjab due to which the government is considering special measures to deal with the cases of sexual harassment, abuse and coercion.”

    Read more: Pakistan Railways will help train gang-rape survivor get a job

    Tarar said that to combat these issues, stricter legislation would be introduced along with a separate helpline dedicated to victims seeking out help. The number of DNA samples on a fast-track will also be increased. The Punjab Home Minister added that academia, women’s rights organisations, lawyers, and civil society will be consulted regarding this issue and the process will be completed within a fortnight.

    He also urged parents to not leave their children at home unattended, as perpetrators of most sexual abuse cases were close relatives and neighbours. An awareness campaign will also be run in schools about sexual harassment, added Tarar. 

    The Current records the tally of rape cases that are reported in news outlets on a daily basis to highlight the alarming situation. We have used many different sources as listed. When will it stop?