Sometimes lists like 11 countries with the highest rates of child abuse in the World expose the real face of the world that we live in. It is not pretty at all. Sometimes it all just seems connected – child labor, global terrorism, the rising poor, etc. What hurts the most is the fact that despite making some groundbreaking advances in the use of technology in every sector like food, health, education and more we continue to go downhill when it comes to human values. Our global efforts, unfortunately, have not been enough to feed the poor, help the needy and educate everyone. When we talk about the evils of the society, it becomes impossible to ignore child abuse.
What is most surprising about child abuse is that it is an embarrassing part of the most developed countries as well. Developed! Are we, really? In United States alone more than 20,000 cases of child abuse are reported annually. It’s an epidemic, which needs global attention.
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Let us tell you what exactly a child abuse is. It is when a caregiver (including parents) through action or by any other means causes harm, injury, emotional and mental distress, death or a serious threat to a child. Child abuse or maltreatment can come in many forms like sexual abuse, physical and mental abuse, bullying, neglect…and most importantly exploitation.
Our list from last year “Top 20 Countries with The Best Quality of Life” is somehow related to this post. Wondering why? Well a couple of countries with best quality of life are also facing the child abuse issue. The reason? Unknown!
11. Pakistan
Pakistan which is also known as the “Land of the braves” is not so brave when it comes to child labor. More than 2,500 cases of child abuse including sexual assault are reported each year. The country is mainly troubled with child labor more than any other thing.
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10. South Africa
South Africa is not just a top sporting nation but it also suffers from problems like poor healthcare structure and child abuse. According to an estimate more than 3,000 cases of child rape and assault are reported annually.
9. Bangladesh
Bangladesh is a small, beautiful country located in Asia. The country has a severe child abuse and HIV issues. In Bangladesh it is a common belief that having sex with a virgin can cure you of AIDS. Every year around 3,200 cases of child abuse are reported and there are a huge number of cases that are kept as a secret by child’s family too.
8. India
From 2001 to 2011, India saw a considerable rise in child abuse cases. The numbers rose from 2,000 to around 7,500 in 2011. Like Pakistan, India has a major child labor problem too along with assault and rape.
7. Botswana
Botswana is a country situated in southern Africa and is famous for being one of the worst healthcare facilities in the world and child abuse issues. It is estimated that around 10,000 cases of child abuse in Botswana are reported annually.
6. Zimbabwe
Another African nation on our list of 11 Countries With The Highest Rates of Child Abuse in The World is Zimbabwe. In Harare only more than 30,000 cases of child abuse and rape have been officially recorded during the past 4 years.
5. Russia
Number five on our list is Russia. It is one of the most developed countries and quality of life is pretty high here. It might come as a surprise to many but Russia has to deal with around 10,000 to 11,000 child abuse cases each year.
4. United Kingdom
According to a study one in every 200 adults in United Kingdom is a pedophile. In England alone more than 16,000 cases of child abuse, neglect and assault were recorded 2012.
3. Afghanistan
The political unrest and unavailability of basic necessities of life in Afghanistan play a big role in child abuse and rape cases. The government here is either too busy fighting terrorism or is just not serious about its child abuse problem. Annually, more than 18,000 of new child abuse cases emerge in Afghanistan.
2. United States
In the world’s most developed economy, situation of child abuse including rape and assault is not what you would expect. 1 out of 5 teenagers say they have faced some kind of abuse either in school or at home. USA deals with almost 20,000 such cases annually.
1. Australia
Number one on our list of 11 Countries With The Highest Rates of Child Abuse in The World is Australia. It is estimated that close to 50,000 cases of child abuse are reported in Australia each year.
