Power, Piety, and Silence: A Qualitative Exploration of the Social and Cultural Drivers of Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan’s Religious Institutions

Abstract

This study examines child sex abuse (CSA) in religious institutions across Pakistan. It describes the socio-cultural factors that influence this abuse and either prevent or encourage abuse victims to disclose it. I used qualitative research methods and phrases to understand the phenomenon, and the direct or indirect experiences of participants. Purposive sampling was used to include participants from the accused, victim’s family, medical doctors and psychologists, the police, and teachers and administrators of Madaris. Data for this research was collected by conducting 35 interviews and 8 focus group discussions. The outcome of this research was a thematic analysis. The results show that the most influential theme was Stigma and silence. This was evident in victim blaming, family honor, the spin of social disapproval, the taboo of cultural silence. The second most influential theme was gender and sexual norms. This theme included the repression of sexuality, gender segregation, and sexual repression and taboos. The third most influential theme was the culture of power distance and authority. It observed respect towards religious authority, faith, and the obedience of elders as well as the absence of the ability to question. The final theme was child socialization. This theme included suppression and self-control, as well as a lack of freedom. The results of this research show that child sex abuse is the influence of integrated socio-cultural systems and rAdd Contributoreligious institutions. These results will inform the development of more culturally relevant policies on reporting abuse, improved internal accountability, enhanced awareness, and confidential means for reporting.

Keywords:       Child Sexual Abuse; Religious Institutions; Socio-Cultural Determinants; Religious Education; Stigma and Silence; Power Distance; Gender Norms; Pakistan.