KATHMANDU, May 15: Due to the harmful social belief that “boys shouldn’t cry” and must hide their pain simply because they are boys, many sons are increasingly being subjected to various forms of violence. Recent studies and research have highlighted that this problem persists not only in Nepal but across the globe.
In a society influenced by the belief that boys do not face sexual abuse—or that even if they do, it doesn't affect them like it does girls—there is now a growing global voice recognizing that, like girls, boys too can be victims of sexual abuse and exploitation, and they too need protection.
UNICEF's latest study reveals that 1 in every 7 boys worldwide are affected by sexual violence before the age of 18. In response to this hidden issue in global society, Family for Every Child UK launched 'Blue Umbrella Day' on April 16, 2021, to raise awareness and promote consciousness.
In a presentation on sexual violence against boys, Kriti Bhattarai, Senior Program Manager of Voice of Children Nepal highlighted the fact that children are subjected to violence not only in the world but also in Nepal.
According to UNICEF's 2024 report ‘When Numbers Demand Action,’ it is revealed that between 410 million to 530 million boys and men worldwide are affected by sexual abuse and sexual violence. This means that 1 in every 7 individuals experiences sexual violence during their childhood. The report also highlights that between 240 million to 310 million boys and young men, or 1 in every 11, suffer from rape and sexual violence.
What I think about boys
“Despite the alarming number of boys affected, studies have shown that only one out of six countries worldwide collects national data on children affected by sexual violence,” said Program Manager Bhattarai during her presentation. “This lack of data has created significant challenges in taking effective action. Children and young people, who are victims of sexual violence, face considerable difficulties in accessing necessary services and support due to cultural beliefs and a lack of essential resources.”
She added, “Discussions and interventions on sexual exploitation and abuse often overlook boys and young people, even though they are equally at risk, with some having personally experienced violence.”
In Nepal, the first reported case of sexual violence against a boy dates back to 2056, when a teacher at the British School was accused of sexual abuse. Although the case was registered with the police, it was prosecuted under a public law due to the lack of specific legal provisions at the time.
According to National Child Rights Council's Information Officer Ram Bahadur Chand, there has been a fluctuating trend in the number of reported cases of sexual violence and abuse against boys in Nepal.
According to the annual data from Nepal Police and Women, Children and Senior Citizen Service Center, 90 boys were affected by sexual violence in 2077 BS, while 93 boys were affected in 2078 BS. Similarly, 34 cases of boys experiencing sexual violence and abuse were registered in 2079 BS. In 2080 BS, 33 boys were reported to have been affected, and in 2081 BS, 19 boys reported cases of sexual violence and abuse to the police.
“These are only the cases of sexual violence and abuse against boys that have been registered with the police,” said Information Officer Chand. “In addition to these, there are many more incidents of abuse that have not been reported, hidden, or concealed, about which families and society are unwilling to speak out.”
Similarly, a British national running Starlight Children Home in Pokhara, was also involved in similar cases around 2056 BS, but the case was prosecuted under public offense laws.
Another example of sexual violence against boys in Nepal, not only by men but also by women, was seen in 2057 BS. In that year, a French woman was accused of luring street children in the Thamel area and sexually abusing them. The case was registered, but it was prosecuted only under public offense laws at that time.
According to Chand, incidents of sexual abuse and violence against boys in Nepal are primarily carried out by foreign tourists. “Foreign tourists initially show sympathy towards street children and then lure them, eventually exploiting them sexually,” said Information Officer Chand. “As for Nepali society, sexual violence and abuse against boys have been happening even in the past.”
Families and society pressure boys to be brave, strong, and self-sufficient, and they are often given more freedom than girls. Boys also value this freedom. However, it is essential to ensure their safety, says Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mahesh Thapa, “There are many reports and complaints of missing boys filed with the police,” DSP Thapa said during a program, “However, there are fewer reports of sexual violence against children. Among them, complaints of sexual violence and abuse against boys are particularly rare.”
Indra Devi Dhakal, Member Secretary of the National Child Rights Council, described sexual violence against boys as a ‘silent epidemic’ in Nepali society. She emphasized the need to ensure that boys have access to the many legal frameworks designed to protect children from such abuse.
Krishna Thapa, Director of Voice of Children (VOC), said that he has been raising his voice about boys being raped and subjected to sexual violence for the past three decades. “VOC's study has also shown that among street children, boys are at higher risk,” said Director Thapa, “It has been observed that foreign nationals often lure boys, offer temptations, and in some cases, even commit rape."
Speakers at the program emphasized that now, not only daughters but sons too must be educated by families, guardians, and schools about ‘good touch’ and ‘bad touch’.
