Exploring the Complex Tapestry of Child Abuse in Pakistan: A South Asian
Outlook
- Uzma Ilyas,
- Kalsoom Fatima,
- Aliza Khanum
Abstract
Child abuse is pervasive and distressing issue around the globe with
severe consequences for the survivors. Through the analysis of the
existing literature, it provides the comprehensive overview of the
current state of research and understanding of the child abuse in
low-middle-income countries. It presents unique challenges in low and
middle-income countries, where resource constraints, social dynamics,
and cultural factors often compound the problem. The review focuses on
the alarming prevalence, risk factors, consequences, societal responses
of child abuse, child sexual abuse and child-maltreatment in low-middle
income countries and its profound implication on their mental health. In
low-middle income countries poverty, inadequate access to healthcare,
societal stigmatization exacerbates the mental health concerns of child
abuse victims in these regions. There is the multifaceted relationship
between the child abuse and the child's mental health. Children are
prone towards psychological problems after being subjected to abuse. The
psychological problem not only rampant the stress and trauma but also
acts like a formidable obstacle preventing disclosure. By focusing on
the child abuse in the low middle-income countries, it aims to raise the
awareness, inform policy, and need for more intervention strategies and
encouraging the international community to prioritize the well-being of
these children.