Perspectives From Key Stake Holders on Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: Glimpse of Potential Facilitators and Barriers

Abstract

Context: One of the emerging concerns and challenges to fundamental human rights appear to be the Child
Sexual Abuse. There are adverse repercussions of child sexual abuse as this has surged in recent times not
only as a public health concern rather as human rights dilemma.
Aim: This research attempts to encompass a rigorous view, evidential facts and figures regarding child
sexual abuse in Pakistan from key stakeholders’ perspective.
Setting and Design: Mix method research design was used; encompassing both quantitative and qualitative
content analysis.
Method: The sample comprised of parents, psychologists, NGOs’ Social workers, dealing with child sexual
abuse cases and teachers from primary/ elementary schools serving in Lahore, Pakistan. In-depth interviews
were conducted with the key stakeholders of child rearing (n=5 from each domain-category).
Results: A systematic attempt to embrace the etiology, predisposing and maintaining factors in addition to
suggestion for curbing child sexual abuse is catered. A due focus is leveled on barriers and challenges as
reported by carers to prevent CSA.
Conclusion: There are specific facilitators and barriers to child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention program in
Pakistan. By increasing awareness and by dispelling misconceptions, preventive efforts could be made more
beneficial and efficacious.
Implications: The findings from current study implicate that there is dire need to impart education regarding
child sexual abuse, its forms, recent trends, and various means of preventing them to reduce (CSA).