Module 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.

Police Note — Online and Emerging Technology-Facilitated Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse and exploitation increasingly occur through online platforms and digital technologies. Police officers should be aware that children may be groomed, exploited or threatened through social media, messaging applications, online gaming platforms and other internet-based services. Emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), may also be misused to create or manipulate sexually explicit images, audio or videos involving children, facilitate online grooming, or support sextortion and other forms of exploitation. Where offences involve technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation or abuse, police should preserve digital evidence promptly and apply relevant provisions of the PECA, 2016, in addition to other applicable laws.

5.2.3 Immediate Police Response — First Contact SOP

Police must:

Register an FIR immediatelywhere 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