Recent incidents of sexual violence against girls in Makwanpur, particularly rape and sexual abuse committed by family members and acquaintances, have highlighted growing concerns regarding the safety of children.
According to data from the District Police Office Makwanpur, 45 cases of rape and child sexual abuse were registered by the end of Baisakh in the current fiscal year. Among them, 34 cases involved girls below the age of 18, while only 11 adult women were identified as victims. Police stated that nearly half of the victims were girls under the age of 12.
Police also reported a rise in cases of incest and sexual abuse occurring within families. In the current fiscal year alone, seven such cases have been registered. In five of these cases, fathers or grandfathers have been accused of raping girls. The remaining cases involved the alleged involvement of brothers and uncles. According to police, the girls victimized within their own families were between the ages of 3 and 11.
There has also been an increase in incidents of sexual violence committed by acquaintances. According to police data, adolescent girls between the ages of 13 and 18 have been the most affected. During this period, 12 adolescent girls and three young girls became victims of people known to them. In incidents involving neighbors, most of the victims were girls under the age of 12.
Meanwhile, cases of sexual abuse by teachers have also come to light. According to police, an 11-year-old girl was sexually abused by a teacher, while two adolescent girls became victims of rape.
Police stated that 39 individuals involved in these incidents have been arrested, while eight others are still absconding.
Superintendent of Police Shyam Bahadur Khatri of the District Police Office Makwanpur stated that access to social media, mobile phones, and adult content has had a negative influence on adolescents and youths. According to him, lack of parental supervision, family disintegration, and children’s isolation have also contributed to the rise in such crimes.