The Impact of Child Pornography on Victims and Society in Pakistan

Child pornography is one of the most illegal issues in our society.  It’s not only affects the individual but also his family members. These acts also cause many difficulties for our society and community. 

In Pakistan, the Victims suffer severe psychological, social, and economic consequences with far-reaching societal effects. In this article, I will guide you that what are the impacts of child pornography on the victim and on society. 

Psychological and Emotional Effects on Victims

Child pornography leaves deep psychological spots on its victim child. Children subjected to such exploitation often suffer from a range of emotional and mental health issues including:

1. Many victims experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which is characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
2. The humiliation and violation can lead to chronic depression and anxiety. So, it affects their overall well-being and ability to function in daily life.
3. Children who faced any child pornography activity in their past will be unable to talk and speak confidently. These children need extra care and time from their guardians because As a result of their abuse, victims often have low self-esteem.

Personal stories such as that of Aisha (name changed) who was a survivor from Lahore also reveal the depth of these impacts. Aisha was exploited at a young age and he continues to fight against severe depression and struggles to rebuild her life. Her story highlights the urgent need for effective psychological support and counselling.

Social Stigma and Challenges in Reintegration

In Pakistan, social stigma poses a significant barrier to the reintegration of victims into society. Many victims face:

1. Isolation and rejection: Instead of offering support mostly Pakistani communities often exclude victims and judge them with distrust or blame.
2. Educational and employment barriers: This stigma extends to educational and employment prospects and makes it difficult for survivors to restart their lives.
3. Family dynamics: Victims’ families may tolerate social pressures which may result in strained relationships and significant emotional distress.

For instance, Ali (name changed) who was a survivor from Karachi. We found it nearly impossible to return to school after his ordeal became known. His story highlights the need for societal change and increased awareness to support victims better.

Availability and Effectiveness of Support Services and Rehabilitation Programs

Support services and rehabilitation programs are crucial for helping victims heal and making them strong. 

In Pakistan, the availability and effectiveness of these services vary:

1. Counselling Therapy plays an important role in the development of their confidence. While some NGOs and government initiatives offer counselling Thus, the reach and quality of these services need more improvement.
2. Legal Assistance is a must for victims, Every victim must know what is the punishment of this abusive act. Victims can seek justice with legal help, but many are unaware of their rights or face barriers to accessing the legal system due to lack of education.
3. Safe Shelters or shelter homes also play a vital role in giving protection to children. I really appreciated this work but providing safe shelters is not enough because of their limited facilities. But soon these organizations will also overcome these issues.

In Pakistan, there are many health and safety protection organizations. There are a few names, such as

1. Edhi foundation
2. Chhipa foundations
3. Sahil & Rozan foundations

Long-term Societal Impacts

The long-term societal consequences of child pornography in Pakistan are widespread.

• Without proper intervention mostly the victims are at risk of future abuse or exploitation that may lead to building the memory of a child. It is also known as a cycle of trauma.
• The economic burden includes healthcare costs for treating psychological conditions, loss of productivity, and the need for long-term support services.
• A society that fails to protect its children and support victims faces challenges in maintaining social bonding and trust.

The impact of child pornography on victims and society in Pakistan is profound and multifaceted. From severe psychological trauma to significant social and economic consequences, the effects are too much for victims. Personal stories, like those of Aisha and Ali, also remind us of the human cost behind the statistics and the urgent need for action.

FAQS

Q1. What is baby pornography and why is it a critical issue in Pakistan?

In Pakistan, any visual representation of sexually explicit behaviour involving minors under the age of eighteen is considered child pornography. It is a serious issue since it harms children psychologically and emotionally over time in addition to abusing and exploiting them. It is a crime that seriously breaches society’s moral and legal standards.

Q2. Is Child pornography illegal in Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistan bans the use of child pornography. As to the 2016 Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), it is illegal to produce, distribute, or possess child pornography. For anyone engaged in such bad activities, the law imposes severe penalties which may be fines and imprisonment.

Q3. How can I report child pornography in Pakistan?

You can report child pornography to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Cyber Crime Wing, which is responsible for handling such cases. The FIA has a 24/7 helpline (9911) and an online reporting system wherein you can publish statistics confidentially. You can also touch local law enforcement.