ABSTRACT
Background: Child abuse is an important social problem all over the world and in Pakistan too but unfortunately very little research work had been done in Pakistan on this topic. In Southern Punjab the situation is even worse. Objective: To determine the pattern of child abuse in Rahim Yar Khan, a district of southern Punjab
Methodology: Study Design: Cross sectional study
Place and Duration: Emergency Department, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan for the period of one year from 15th January 2015 to 14th January 2016. A total of 105 victims of child abuse were included in the study by non probability consecutive sampling technique. All cases of abuse between 3-14 years of age, who gave consent were included while already diagnosed cases of bleeding disorders, Osteoporosis and those didn't give the consent were excluded from study. Help of X-rays, Ultrasound and blood tests was taken when required. SPSS 16.0 was used to analyze the data
Results: Out of 105 cases, males were in majority [59%] than female [40%] and most common abuse type found was physical abuse [47.6%], then emotional abuse [21.9%], followed by sexual abuse [22%] and neglect [17%]. Educational status of the parents/guardians and their monthly income showed that majority of those were illiterate [56%] and 43% having their income up to Rs. 10000/- per month
Conclusion: We concluded that male gender was major victim of abuse and most common pattern of abuse in males was physical. These facts need to be communicated to Law enforcement agencies, media, civil society, NGO's and awareness programs especially for teachers and parents should be arranged, so that effective control can be achieved in minimum time and resources by precise policy making