Module 5.2

5.2 Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence

5.2.1 Nature of the Issue

Child sexual abuse includes any sexual act, contact, exposure, coercion or exploitation involving a child (under 18 years)  whether physical or online, with or without force. Abusers may include family members, teachers, employers, community members or strangers. Most cases occur in private settings and are often hidden.

5.2.2 Applicable Legal Framework 

Police must apply the relevant provisions of the following laws:

Federal/Provincial Laws
Law Relevance to Police Work
Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (PPC) Defines sexual offences against children and prescribes punishments
Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC) Governs FIR registration, investigation and court procedure
Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 Requires victim-sensitive investigation, specialised procedures and GBV courts
Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA) Applies where abuse involves online exploitation, grooming or CSAM
Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 (PTIP) Applies where sexual exploitation is linked to trafficking or coercion
Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, 2011 Mandates referral and protection services for child victims

Police Note — Order of Legal Application
️⃣ Apply relevant PPC offence(s)
️⃣ Follow CrPC procedures
️⃣ Apply Anti-Rape Act or any other special laws where applicable
️⃣ Referral under Sindh child protection law

Key Legal Principle

Consent of a child is legally irrelevant.

5.2.3 Immediate Police Response — First Contact SOP

Police must:

  • Register an FIR immediately where a cognisable offence is disclosed
  • Ensure urgent medico-legal examination (without unnecessary delay)
  • Prevent contact between child and accused
  • Ensure privacy and confidentiality
  • Use child-sensitive interviewing
  • Do NOT blame, threaten or pressure the child
  • Ensure female officers are present 
  • Inform parents/guardians unless this endangers the child

Never Do

✘ Refuse FIR
✘ Suggest compromise or settlement
✘ Disclose child identity
✘ Question child repeatedly
✘ Keep child in police custody unnecessarily

5.2.4. Coordination and Referral Pathways

Police must coordinate with:

Institution

Purpose

Medico-Legal / Hospital Services

Medical treatment, medico-legal examination and collection of forensic evidence; emergency mental-health care where available

Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA)/ Child Protection Unit

Case management, protection measures,  psychological support for child victims and their families

Social Welfare / Registered Shelters

Safe placement if home unsafe

How to Conduct This Session

Useful Videos

Reference Material

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