Protecting Children: Understanding Causes of Child Abuse

Child abuse remains one of the most alarming social challenges in Bangladesh. Although awareness has increased in recent years, countless children continue to face physical, emotional, and psychological harm, often in places where they should feel safest.
Before discussing the causes and possible solutions, it is important to understand what child abuse actually means. According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), a child is any human being under the age of 18, a definition that is also recognised in Bangladesh’s legal framework. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child abuse as all forms of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, or exploitation that result in actual or potential harm to a child’s health, development, dignity, or well-being. In Bangladesh, Section 70 of the Children Act, 2013, describes child abuse as any act of cruelty against a child.
Broadly, child abuse can be categorised into four types: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse and neglect. Firstly, physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that causes injury pain or suffering. Secondly, forcing, coercing or enticing a child into any form of sexual activity constitutes sexual abuse. Thirdly, emotional or psychological abuse refers to actions that damage a child’s emotional well-being through humiliation, threats, intimidation, rejection or verbal abuse. And fourthly, the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic physical, educational, medical or emotional needs can be termed neglect.
Now let me try to shed light on some root causes of child abuse in Bangladesh. To begin with, a lack of parental awareness stands out as one of the most significant factors behind child abuse. Sadly, children are not always safe even within their own homes. Many families do not have the space to provide children with a separate room, resulting in shared sleeping arrangements with relatives, guests, or visitors from villages and neighbouring areas who may stay temporarily for medical treatment, examinations, or other purposes. While hospitality is deeply valued in our culture, the safety and privacy of children must never be overlooked.
Parents also frequently leave children alone with private tutors, caregivers or other trusted adults for extended periods without adequate supervision. Home tutoring is extremely common in Bangladesh, and families from all economic backgrounds, often arrange private academic or religious instruction. These decisions are usually made with good intentions. However, insufficient monitoring can sometimes create opportunities for abuse.
Another major concern is the lack of age-appropriate personal safety and sexuality education. Many children grow up without learning about body boundaries, consent, personal privacy, or the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch. Consequently, they may struggle to identify abusive behaviour or feel unable to report it when it occurs.
In many families, certain behaviours are still dismissed as harmless. However, this allows children’s feelings and boundaries to be easily ignored. Without proper guidance, they become more vulnerable to be abused by relatives, neighbours, peers, teachers or other trusted individuals .
Addressing these challenges requires a collective effort. The government, educational institutions, and religious venues including mosques, temples, churches and pagodas must work together to promote child protection and awareness. Mass media also has a critical role to play. Bangladesh Television (BTV), alongside private television channels and digital platforms, should regularly broadcast documentaries, public service campaigns, and educational programmes focused on child safety and protection.
A particularly practical approach would be the establishment of school-based awareness building clubs for both students and guardians. In Bangladesh, mothers and grandparents often accompany children to school and spend long hours waiting outside during examinations, special events or regular dismissal times. This waiting period presents a valuable opportunity. Schools could organise brief but meaningful awareness sessions on child protection, positive parenting and safety practices. Such initiatives would do more than provide information. They would challenge deeply rooted social attitudes. Many parents still believe that scolding, humiliating or physically punishing children improves academic performance and discipline. In reality, physical and verbal abuse undermines a child’s confidence, damages mental well-being, and creates long-lasting barriers to healthy development.
At the same time, Bangladesh is witnessing a rapid and largely unregulated expansion of residential educational institutions. Yet, there is no comprehensive system to ensure that these facilities meet basic child protection standards. A properly managed boarding school should provide qualified staff, medical support, counselling services, hygienic living conditions, recreational facilities and nutritious food. Unfortunately, many residential institutions fall short of these expectations.
Madrasas with residential facilities provide important educational opportunities for children coming from low- and middle-income families while giving their parents considerable financial relief. However, parents cannot afford to remain uninvolved. It is their fundamental responsibility to assess the environment in which their children live, study and spend their formative years. Equally important is the quality of those entrusted with children’s care. Teachers and caregivers in residential institutions should possess appropriate qualifications, professional training and a clear understanding of child protection principles. A child’s safety, dignity and well-being cannot be left to chance. The government should monitor and certify their capacity that will prove their capability to be a residential school.
Child abuse is not merely a private family matter. It is, or should be, a national concern that affects the future of our society. Every child deserves to grow up in an environment where they feel safe, respected and valued. Laws and policies are important. But, real change will require more awareness among parents, vigilance and a collective commitment to protecting children.
Parents, educators, religious leaders, policymakers, and community members all have their respective roles to play in stopping child abuse in the country. If we listen to children, respect their boundaries, educate them about personal safety, and hold institutions accountable, we can surely reduce the risks they face to a considerable extent. 
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The writer is adviser at Sweet Bird School, and former educational administrator and social worker