Punjab government to educate children on sexual
abuse
The Punjab government is taking significant
measures to combat child sexual abuse in the province. Recognizing the
increasing incidents of violence targeting children, the Department of School
Education has issued directives to educational authorities across all
districts, aiming to educate schoolchildren about sexual abuse incidents in
schools.
The educational program emphasizes sensitizing
students to the issue, with teachers and school heads conducting lectures to
prevent violence against children. The focus is on educating children about
identifying and avoiding suspicious individuals and sexual harassment.
Additionally, students will be encouraged to report incidents of violence
against children in schools throughout the province, including Lahore.
Recent data from the Punjab home department
reveals a troubling rise in child sexual abuse instances. In the first half of
the year 2023 (January to June 15), a shocking total of 1,390 cases of child
abuse were reported in the province. Of these cases, approximately 69% involved
minor boys, and the remaining 31% involved girls.
The report also sheds light on the perpetrators
of these heinous acts. Among those facing trials, 55% were found to be
neighbors of the victims, 13% were relatives, and 32% were strangers.
The data further indicates variations in the
prevalence of child abuse cases in different cities. Gujranwala recorded the
highest number of rape cases at 220, while Rawalpindi and Lahore had the lowest
figures at 69 and 89, respectively. Other cities such as DG Khan, Faisalabad,
Multan, Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura, Sahiwal, and Sargodha also reported
significant numbers of abuse incidents.
In response to this alarming situation, the
Punjab government's educational initiative aims to equip students with knowledge
and awareness to protect themselves and their peers from sexual abuse and
violence. By empowering children and providing them with the necessary
information, the government hopes to create a safer environment for the
province's youth.
Source: Geo TV
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