Child sexual abuse is a grave issue globally, but in Bangladesh, it remains a critical concern due to deeply ingrained societal, cultural, and legal barriers to prevention and justice.
Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity involving a child, including inappropriate touching, exploitation, and other forms of sexual coercion.
In Bangladesh, as in other parts of the world, child sexual abuse is underreported and often concealed due to stigma, fear, and a lack of trust in the judicial system.
Despite recent awareness campaigns and interventions, child sexual abuse remains a pervasive problem that threatens the safety, health, and well-being of children across the country.
Understanding the pattern of child sexual abuse in Bangladesh is essential for developing effective intervention strategies.
Research and case reports show certain prevalent characteristics.
Perpetrator profile and familiarity with victims: In Bangladesh, most perpetrators are known to the child or are in close proximity to the victim. Studies indicate that a significant percentage of perpetrators are family members, neighbours, or trusted individuals, such as teachers or acquaintances.
According to research by the Bangladesh Shishu Adhikar Forum (BSAF), around 80% of child abuse cases involve individuals known to the victim. This dynamic complicates reporting and intervention, as families may choose to hide incidents to avoid social stigma or repercussions.
Gender and Age of Victims: While both boys and girls are victims of child sexual abuse, girls are more commonly targeted, with around 60-70% of reported cases involving female children.
The most vulnerable age group is children aged 6-12, as they are less likely to understand or resist abuse and are easier to manipulate. Furthermore, younger children are often unable to articulate their experiences, making detection and intervention challenging.
Location of abuse: Abuse often takes place within familiar environments like the child’s home, the abuser’s residence, educational institutions, or community centres.
The presence of trusted adults nearby paradoxically makes these spaces risky for children, especially when adults ignore potential warning signs.
Lack of reporting and societal stigma: Cultural taboos around discussing sexuality and fear of social stigma prevent victims and families from reporting cases of abuse.
The patriarchal structure of Bangladeshi society often adds to this hesitation, as families worry about reputational damage and the marriage prospects of female children.
Despite some progress in legal reform and advocacy, the rate of child sexual abuse cases in Bangladesh is disturbingly high and shows no signs of abating.
Data from reputable organisations underscore the scale of the problem:
Rising number of cases: Reports from organisations such as BSAF and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reveal that over 1,000 children were victims of sexual violence in 2022 alone.
This figure is likely underestimated due to underreporting and societal stigma.
Additionally, media reports and studies suggest that child sexual abuse incidents have increased in the last decade, particularly due to expanded access to digital spaces where grooming and exploitation can occur online.
Online abuse and exploitation: As internet access grows, so does the risk of online sexual exploitation of children.
Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has identified numerous instances of online abuse, where predators use social media to target and groom minors.
The exponential rise in digital access without corresponding digital literacy or parental oversight has exposed more children to online predators.
Mental and physical health impacts: Victims of child sexual abuse experience long-term physical and psychological effects, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Studies in Bangladesh indicate that abused children are more likely to drop out of school, suffer from poor health outcomes, and engage in high-risk behaviors later in life.
Moreover, untreated trauma from abuse can lead to negative intergenerational effects, perpetuating cycles of violence and abuse.
Legal and institutional gaps: Although Bangladesh has laws like the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act 2000, enforcement is inconsistent, and justice is often delayed or denied.
According to ASK, fewer than 10% of reported child sexual abuse cases result in convictions, largely due to corruption, lack of evidence, and pressure on victims to withdraw complaints.
Addressing child sexual abuse in Bangladesh requires a multi-pronged approach involving education, legal reform, institutional strengthening, and community mobilisation.
Some strategies that could significantly reduce the incidence of child sexual abuse and offer better support to victims:
Strengthening legal frameworks and enforcement
Bangladesh has legal frameworks against child abuse, but these laws need updating and strict enforcement.
Amending laws to ensure faster trials, removing procedural loopholes, and ensuring stiffer penalties for offenders can serve as deterrents.
Specialised courts for child victims, where they can provide testimony in a safe and confidential environment, can improve conviction rates.
These courts must prioritise child sexual abuse cases to avoid lengthy delays that discourage victims and families.
Police and judiciary officials should receive training on handling child sexual abuse cases sensitively and professionally.
Additionally, anti-corruption measures within law enforcement are essential to prevent interference in child sexual abuse cases.
Raising awareness and Destigmatising child sexual abuse
Comprehensive sex education can empower children to understand, identify, and report inappropriate behaviour.
Schools should adopt age-appropriate programs on body safety and personal boundaries.
Public awareness campaigns through television, radio, social media, and community forums can help destigmatise reporting child sexual abuse and educate parents, teachers, and children.
Community leaders, including religious figures, should be encouraged to speak against child abuse openly.
Promoting digital safety and literacy
Educating children and parents on safe internet practices is critical in reducing online abuse.
Parents should learn about digital monitoring tools and how to recognise signs of grooming.
Bangladesh needs strict laws to monitor online predators and swiftly take down child sexual exploitation content.
Collaboration with tech companies to monitor and report suspicious activities can help protect children online.
Strengthening child protection services
Establishing child protection committees in every community can encourage victims to report abuse.
These committees should include trusted local figures trained in recognizing abuse and offering support to victims and families.
Accessible mental health services are crucial for victims of child sexual abuse.
Psychological counselling can help children and their families process trauma, reducing the long-term effects of abuse.
Victims of abuse, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, often lack safe spaces for recovery.
Providing state-funded shelters and rehabilitation centres for children who face abuse at home can offer refuge and a pathway to recovery.
Empowering children to recognise and report abuse
Teaching children about body autonomy, safe and unsafe touch, and the importance of reporting any uncomfortable situations can empower them to protect themselves.
Parents and caregivers should build trust with children, encouraging them to talk openly.
This trust enables children to share concerns without fear of punishment or disbelief.
The issue of child sexual abuse in Bangladesh is undeniably alarming and demands urgent, coordinated action.
With around 1,000 reported cases annually and thousands more likely unreported, child sexual abuse poses a significant risk to Bangladeshi society's future.
However, progress is possible through stronger laws, widespread education, community support, and better resources for victims.
Addressing the cultural stigma around discussing child sexual abuse and improving reporting mechanisms will go a long way toward creating a safer environment for children.
By fostering an informed and vigilant society, Bangladesh can work towards eradicating this deeply rooted problem, ultimately safeguarding the rights and well-being of every child in the nation.
