TRENDS OF CHILD ABUSE IN THE USA AND PAKISTAN: COMPARING THE WEST WITH THE EAST

Abstract

This paper uses a case study approach to compare and contrast the patterns of child abuse between the United States and Pakistan based on cultural, legal, and socio-economic parameters. The USA has already been dealing with issues of child abuse and has higher reporting rates of such cases. Still, it struggles with entirely different problems, such as disparities and lack of funds for child protection services. On the other hand, child abuse in Pakistan is constrained more by cultural stigma, inadequate laws, the criminal justice system, and social acceptance of at least moderate physical punishment of children. The changes in cultural attitudes, family structure, and socio-economic will be seen to play a critical role in changes in child abuse trends. Thus, this research highlights the significance of cross-cultural comparison in developing efficient child protection policies. The study reveals the related deficiencies in both countries' legal protection systems, public awareness, and service support systems. Subsequent research should be conducted to investigate the effects of digital media more thoroughly and extend the cross-sectional study to other nations.