Pakistan witnesses rise in crimes against children, 8 kids abused everyday in 2020: Report

A report ‘Cruel numbers of 2020’ recently revealed that Pakistan witnessed a rise in crimes against children and eight kids were abused every day in country in one form or ar in 2020. According to ANI, report, which is a compilation of statistics on crimes against children, said that children in Pakistan witnessed sexual abuse, abduction and child marris. report was compiled by Sahil, which is an organisation focused on child protection, and was based on cases reported in 84 national and regional newspapers in 2020. 

According to report, children most vulnerable to abuse belonged to group of 6-15 years. Children as young as 0-5 years were also a victim of sexual abuse. Furr, out of reported cases, around 985 were sodomy, 787 rape, 89 porgraphy and child sexual abuse and 80 were of murder after sexual abuse. 

Cases of abduction, missing children and child marris were around 834, 345 and 119, respectively. Moreover, data also showed that more than 80 per cent of abusers were kwn to children. In most cases, abusers were eir acquaintances or service providers, such as teachers, shopkeepers and drivers. 

2,960 cases reported in four provinces 

report said that around 1,780 kids were abused by acquaintances, while around 109 were abused by aforementioned service providers. In a total of 91 cases, family members and relatives and in 92 cases neighbours were also involved. Around 468 children were abused by complete strangers. report revealed that nearly 2,960 major crimes against children were reported in four provinces, including Islamab Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) in 2020. 

Meanwhile, ar study in 2020 revealed that crimes against women and children in Pakistan have seen a 200 per cent rise. In its report, Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) said that cases of violence against women increased by 200 per cent, while cases of child abuse, domestic violence, kidnapping and rape registered a marked increase. study also said that re may be some deviation in data as many crimes may have been committed but t reported or misreported. 

 (Inputs & Im: ANI)