Sexually abused children suffer in silence

ABSTRACT

Child abuse is a global issue, and its incidences are increasing alarmingly in Pakistan. It severely impacts the physical mental and social well being of an individual. It does not only damage individual's life but also affect the society and nation at large. Therefore, there is a dreadful need to direct our attention towards identification and rehabilitation of child abuse cases. Health care providers need to be equipped with formal training to deal with this significant problem in a broader perspective. This paper reviews the current literature and identifies the causes and impact of child sexual abuse in Pakistan by incorporating a case study. Furthermore, it predominantly highlights the role of health care providers to curb the menace of child abuse. It is recommended that the issue of child abuse should be addressed at different levels by integrating in the academic and health curriculum. In addition, health care providers should empower parents and communities to combat this widespread issue