COLUMN: Protecting Innocence: Tackling the Rise of Sexual Abuse Against Children

By  Fatimah Bintu Dikko

There are certain conversations that are difficult to have, yet they are the very ones we can no longer afford to avoid. One of these is the growing crisis of sexual abuse against children. It is a painful reality, but pretending it does not exist only allows it to thrive in silence. In recent years, stories of children as young as five or even younger being violated have become far too common, shaking communities and leaving scars that may never completely heal. What was once whispered about in hushed tones is now happening at a pace that feels overwhelming, demanding urgent attention from families, communities, and government alike.

The rise in cases of sexual abuse is not just a statistic; it is a tragedy unfolding in homes, schools, and neighborhoods. Behind every reported incident lies a child whose innocence has been stolen, whose trust in adults has been shattered, and whose journey to healing will be long and difficult. What makes the matter even more distressing is that the perpetrators are often not strangers lurking in dark corners but people who should be protectors: relatives, teachers, neighbors, and guardians. These are individuals entrusted with the sacred responsibility of guidance and care, yet they turn around to commit the very harm they are meant to prevent.

When such cases come to light, the immediate question is always: how many more remain hidden? For every child who finds the courage—or whose parent dares—to speak out, there are countless others who suffer in silence. Many are threatened into secrecy or silenced by shame. Families sometimes prefer to bury the matter quietly, fearing stigma or scandal more than they fear the trauma endured by the victim. This culture of silence allows abusers to walk free, emboldened to repeat their crimes, while the victims are left to carry their pain alone.

The consequences of child sexual abuse go beyond the immediate violation. Children who experience abuse often suffer from emotional instability, anxiety, depression, and in some cases, self-destructive behavior. Their performance in school declines as they carry a burden too heavy for their young shoulders. Trust issues develop, making it difficult for them to form healthy relationships later in life. The scars are not just physical or psychological; they are societal, because each damaged childhood chips away at the possibility of a stronger, healthier community in the future.

The rising cases point to a dangerous trend: our systems are not doing enough to protect children. The lack of comprehensive sex education leaves many young ones unaware of what abuse is or how to speak up against it. Law enforcement processes are often slow, insensitive, or even corrupt, discouraging families from pursuing justice. In some cases, perpetrators escape punishment altogether, either through influence, bribery, or manipulation. This failure to hold abusers accountable sends a loud message that children’s lives are negotiable, and that message is unacceptable.

If we are serious about protecting our children, we must begin with awareness. Communities must be educated about the realities of child sexual abuse, breaking down the walls of stigma and secrecy. Parents must learn to listen attentively to their children, watching for subtle signs of distress rather than dismissing them as childish moods. Schools must integrate safety awareness into their teachings, creating safe spaces where learners can report concerns without fear. Religious and community leaders, who hold significant influence, must use their platforms to condemn abuse loudly and consistently, making it clear that protecting children is a sacred duty.

Government too has a critical role to play. Stronger laws are meaningless if they are not enforced. Courts must prioritize cases involving child abuse, ensuring they are resolved swiftly to avoid re-traumatizing victims. Police officers and health workers must be trained to handle such cases with sensitivity, recognizing that they are not dealing with ordinary crimes but with deeply wounded lives. Investment in shelters, counseling centers, and rehabilitation programs is essential, because justice alone cannot heal the wounds—children and their families need professional support to rebuild their lives.

At the same time, those already working on the frontlines of this crisis—NGOs, community groups, and passionate advocates—must be supported. Many of them are working tirelessly with little or no financial backing, filling gaps the government has left wide open. Funding, partnerships, and public recognition of their efforts can expand their reach and sustain their impact. Supporting these groups is not charity; it is a necessity, because they are saving futures that could otherwise be lost.

But beyond structures and systems, the fight against child sexual abuse begins with each one of us. Protecting children should not be seen as the responsibility of parents alone. Every adult in a community has a role to play. It means refusing to look the other way when we suspect wrongdoing. It means challenging the harmful idea that family reputation is more important than a child’s well-being. It means teaching our children to speak up boldly, reassuring them that their voices will be heard and their safety will be defended.

We cannot continue down this path of rising abuse and broken innocence. A society that fails to protect its most vulnerable members is a society on the brink of moral collapse. Children deserve to grow up free from fear, free from harm, and full of trust in the adults around them. They deserve to live out their childhoods in joy and curiosity, not in shame and trauma. Protecting their innocence is not optional—it is a responsibility that defines who we are as a people.

The time for silence is over. The time for excuses has passed. Protecting children must become the highest priority, not just in words but in action. If we do not rise to this challenge, we risk raising a generation scarred by pain and distrust, a generation unable to give their best because their beginnings were marked by violation. But if we rise, if we commit to ending this crisis with courage and compassion, then we will not only protect innocence—we will preserve the very future of our society.

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