NCJ Number
245197
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 8 Dated: 2013 Pages: 901-914
Date Published
2013
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The present study attempts to put forward an overall picture of the depth of the problem of child sexual abuse in rural Bangladesh.
Abstract
During July 2007 to June 2010, BRAC, a nongovernment organization in Bangladesh, reported 713 incidents of rape and attempted rape of children (less than 18 years) in rural Bangladesh. This study explores these 713 incidents to identify possible patterns related to the victims, perpetrators, and different dynamics of the incidents. Rape and attempted rape, particularly of young girls, constituted 64 percent of all reported incidents of violence against children. Children were found to be abused by men from all walks of life, mainly by non-family-members (83 percent). Similar diversity was seen in the location, time, and context of the incidents. The present study attempts to put forward an overall picture of the depth of the problem of child sexual abuse in rural Bangladesh, linking the incidents with the socially constructed gender relations of power and how it perpetuates sexual abuse of children, especially girls. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.