Most victims were abused between ages seven and 12
Awaaz Platform Records Nearly 60 Childhood Abuse Experiences
- Forty-five cases emerged in the first 24 hours; the number later reached nearly 60
- Most reported abuse occurred between ages seven and 12
- The anonymous platform seeks to map childhood sexual abuse in Bangladesh
Dhaka, September 9, Wednesday: Nearly 60 accounts of childhood sexual abuse have emerged on Awaaz.bd, a new online platform launched to provide an anonymous space for people to share experiences of sexual abuse suffered during childhood.
The platform was formally launched on the afternoon of September 7. Within its first 24 hours, 45 people had submitted accounts of abuse they experienced as children. The number later rose to nearly 60.
A large share of the reported cases involved victims who were between seven and 12 years old at the time of abuse. According to the platform’s data, 63 percent of respondents said the abuse occurred more than once, while 38 percent said they experienced abuse over an extended period.
Anonymous data at the centre
Awaaz.bd carries the message, “Raise your voice,” and says its objective is to build an anonymous statistical picture of child sexual abuse in Bangladesh, particularly in educational institutions.
The platform says it does not publish names, photographs or identities. It also says it does not use cookies or tracking and does not retain users’ information. Awaaz.bd describes itself as an anonymous awareness and data platform rather than a help centre or legal-aid service.
Acquaintances and relatives among alleged perpetrators
The data published by the platform indicate that many victims were abused by people they knew, trusted acquaintances or relatives.
Among male victims, 32 percent identified the alleged perpetrator as an acquaintance, 26 percent as a trusted acquaintance, 16 percent as a close relative and 10 percent as a distant relative. Among female victims, the corresponding figures were 7 percent for acquaintances, 14 percent for trusted acquaintances, 14 percent for close relatives and 43 percent for distant relatives.
The data further show that one in five respondents said they were abused by a family member. Overall, 56 percent of reported incidents occurred at home. Of those, 54 percent occurred at the victim’s own home, 19 percent at the alleged perpetrator’s home and 15 percent at a relative’s home.
Personal accounts reveal lasting trauma
One student described being stranded while travelling to a madrasa after boat services stopped at night. The student sought shelter from a relative’s acquaintance, who allowed the child to sleep in the same room. The student later woke to an attempted sexual assault and escaped after shouting for help.
Another contributor described being subjected to sexually abusive behaviour by a close relative during childhood. The person said the behaviour was not initially understood as abuse but later escalated, resulting in a serious and traumatic experience.
The accounts underscore the need for greater awareness among families and institutions and for safe mechanisms through which children can report abuse.
Focus on madrasas and educational institutions
The platform was primarily developed by Rakibul Hasan, 27, and Salahuddin Jahangir, 42. Hasan studied international relations at the University of Dhaka and now works as an online entrepreneur. Jahangir is pursuing an MPhil at Islamic University in Kushtia and works for a private organisation.
Hasan said the initiative was inspired by concerns over sexual abuse of boys, particularly incidents involving children in madrasas. The founders want the government and madrasa boards to take stronger action to prevent abuse and hope the platform can create social pressure for institutional action.
The response, however, has extended beyond the original focus. Women and men from different educational backgrounds have also begun sharing experiences of abuse suffered during childhood.
Awaaz.bd has sections designed to analyse incidents by educational and religious institution, relationship with the alleged perpetrator, age of the victim, location, gender and whether the abuse occurred once or repeatedly.
The emerging data highlight the need for stronger child-protection mechanisms, awareness within families and educational institutions, safe reporting channels and effective action against perpetrators.
For emergencies, the platform lists 1098 Child Helpline, 109 Women and Children Violence Prevention Helpline and 999 National Emergency Service.
//DBTech/correspondent/editing/output//
