Sexual abuse of boys

Sexual violence against children remains one of the most disturbing realities in our society. Yet one of its most overlooked dimensions is the sexual abuse and rape of boys. Due to social stigma, fear and concerns about public shame, most cases remain hidden. As a result, many victims are denied justice while perpetrators often escape accountability.
A persistent misconception in society is that only girls become victims of sexual violence. The harsh reality, however, is that many boys are also subjected to such crimes. These incidents frequently occur in educational and residential institutions, within families, in community settings and even at the hands of trusted individuals. The abuse often remains undisclosed because victims fear disbelief, ridicule or social judgment.
The consequences of sexual abuse extend far beyond physical harm. For boy victims, the psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting. Feelings of fear, shame, guilt, depression, loss of self-confidence and social withdrawal can severely affect a child's emotional well-being, academic performance and overall development. Carrying such trauma throughout childhood and adolescence may leave lasting scars that shape the course of their future.
Perhaps the most alarming issue is the lack of adequate support for boy victims. Addressing this crisis requires joint efforts from families, educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and the state. Timely justice, strict punishment for offenders and stronger child protection measures are essential to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, is safe and protected.

Ibrahim Ibney Aziz
Department of Sociology
University of Dhaka