Sex and the streets: the open secret of sexual abuse among Pakistan's two million street children

• Published in: Child and adolescent psychiatry and mental health Vol. 15; no. 1; p. 65
• Main Authors: Sohail, Amir Humza, Maan, Muhammad Hassaan Arif, Sohail, Sachal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 13.11.2021; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Abuse; Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; AIDS; Child & adolescent mental health; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Child abuse & neglect; Child psychology; Child sexual abuse; Children; Children & youth; Families & family life; HIV; Homeless persons; Human immunodeficiency virus; Legislation; Mental health; Political activity; Political aspects; Prostitution; Rehabilitation of criminals; Resource allocation; Sex crimes; Sexual abuse; Sexual behavior; Sexual exploitation; Sexual intercourse; Street children; Training; Pakistan; India; Sexual abuse; Human immunodeficiency virus; Sexual exploitation; Street children
• ISSN: 1753-2000; 1753-2000
• DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00420-3

About two million children live on the streets in Pakistan. Their complicated past and dire living conditions make them susceptible to many psychological and physical problems, including sexual abuse. With little research on the topic, the prevalence of sexual intercourse among street children is reported to be as high as 88% in Pakistan. With commercial sex a common practice among the street children, public places such as bus terminals and parks have become foci of prostitution and sexual exploitation. A growing concern is the spread of HIV/AIDS among the affected children due to a general lack of awareness about the disease and its prevention and high prevalence of unsafe sexual practices. The generally apathetic attitude of the society towards this issue and the affected children, combined with a lack of commitment and limited resource allocation by the government, has contributed in deteriorating the situation further. A comprehensive multi-pronged strategy involving government, societal and international stakeholders is crucial to tackle the current crisis.