The Role Of Education And Awareness In Combating Child Sexual Abuse: Cultural And Social Challenges In Pakistan

Abstract

Cultural influences and a lack of awareness exacerbate the problem of child sexual abuse in Pakistan. The study highlights the interplay between cultural dynamics, gender issues, and social stigma. The chi-square and tau-b tests were used to determine the strength, level, and direction of association among variables. We collected the data from 264 respondents using a simple random sampling procedure. Analysis of the logistic regression model revealed that the model was statistically significant according to the results of the omnibus test (χ2 = 25.204, P<0.05). Furthermore, the logistic regression model indicated that a change in parental marital status, such as a divorce, increased the likelihood of having cultural attitudes related to CSA by almost two times (EXP (B) = 1.965). The findings revealed a positive (Tau-b = 0.070) and nonsignificant (P = 0.161) association between divorce rates and knowledge of CSA. The results revealed a highly significant and positive association between the independent variable, i.e., awareness of CSA, and cultural attitudes toward CSA. The study found a significant and positive association between knowledge of child sexual abuse (CSA) and religious factors that contribute to the social stigma surrounding it. The study concludes specific cultural practices and beliefs that increase the risk of child sexual abuse. We recommend culturally profound meditation and policies to raise stakeholder awareness and safeguard vulnerable children.