Overview- Child abuse, a common phenomenon in Bangladeshi society, is increasing

alarmingly. Both male and female children are abused sexually and physically. Sometimes
children are forced to work and the experience domestic violence. Now, Emergency demand
for protecting the children from abuse has been raised in the Bangladeshi society. The first
part of this paper deals with theoretical aspects where second part with scenario of
Bangladesh. Third part has made an analysis on the basis of field survey. Forth part discusses
about the link between child abuse and human rights violation. Finally findings of this paper
are given briefly.---Child abuse does not discriminate. It spans all racial, gender, socio-
economic and demographic boundaries. While it may be more likely to be reported and thus
reflected in greater numbers of cases involving lower income families, it is by no means a
problem limited to members of one economic or racial group.--Very often children and teens
will not talk about their abuse. They will protect their abuser, making excuses for their
injuries. For this reason, it is often hard to uncover abuse. Detection of abuse takes careful
observation over a period of time. Just as unreported and undisclosed abuse is unjust, so is the
unfounded an inaccurate reporting. A false report is devastating and lasting; the stigma stays
long after the report has been cleared. Therefore it is important that careful investigation is
done before accusations are made.

Physical Abuse-Physical abuse is often the most recognizable form of abuse, as visible
physical indications may be evident. It can be defined as an injury or a pattern of injuries to
a child that is non-accidental. Included in this definition may be the following physical
signs:

welts;--burns;--bites;--strangulation;--broken bones;--internal injuries;--cigarette

burns;

immersion burns;--and/ or dry burns.

Physical abuse can be as emotionally traumatizing as it is physically traumatizing. The

betrayal that the child will associate with a trusted parental figure hurting them can be
devastating. It is also usually accompanied by emotional abuse, the physical assaults being
interspersed with verbal insults and unreasonable expectations. Physical abuse can lead to
delayed development, learning disorders, motor disorders, intellectual disabilities, hearing
loss or poor physical growth.

Sexual Abuse-Exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult encompasses the
terms child sexual abuse, assault and exploitation. This definition also applies to the abuse of
a child by those not legally considered adults. It may include one or more of the following:

obscene language;--pornography;--exposure;--fondling;--molesting;--oral sex;

intercourse; and--sodomy

Contrary to popular belief, the perpetrator of sexual abuse is not the stranger of myths; they
are usually someone that is known to the child. Effects are numerous and can be long-term.
They range from depression and low self-esteem to posttraumatic stress disorder, and
multiple personality and borderline syndromes.--Frequency and duration have been identified
to mediate the effects of the abuse; longer duration and higher frequency have been correlated
with greater trauma.5

Physical: -Physical abuse of a child is defined as those acts of commission by a caregiver that
cause actual physical harm or have the potential for harm. Physical abuse involves physical
aggression directed at a child by an adult. Bruises, scratches, burns, broken bones,
lacerations, as well as repeated "mishaps," and rough treatment that could cause physical
injury, can be physical abuse. Physical abuse may involve hitting, shaking, throwing,
poisoning, burning or scalding, drowning, suffocating, or otherwise causing physical harm to
a child or failing to protect a child from that harm. Physical harm may also be caused when a
parent or carer fabricates the symptoms of, or deliberately induces illness in a child.

Sexual Abuse:-Sexual abuse is defined as those acts where a caregiver uses a child for sexual
gratification. .Sexual abuse refers to the participation of a child in a sexual act aimed toward
the physical gratification or the financial profit of the person committing the act1.

Sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual
activities, including prostitution, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening. The
activities may involve physical contact including both penetrative and non-penetrative acts
such as kissing, touching or fondling the child's genitals or breasts, vaginal or anal
intercourse or oral sex, forced viewing of sexual anatomy etc. They may include non-contact
activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, pornographic
material or watching sexual acPhysical effects

Children are more physically susceptible to injury than adults as their bodies are still in
development. When a child is being physically abused or neglected some of these injuries are
apparent. The immediate physical effects of abuse or neglect can be relatively minor or
severe In some cases the physical effects are temporary; however, the pain and suffering they
cause a child should not be discounted. Rib fractures may be seen with physical abuse. The
long-term impact of child abuse and neglect on physical health and development can be-
Impaired brain development, Poor physical health etc.

Effects of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse leave serious health hazards on victim child. Effects of child sexual abuse on
the victim(s) include guilt and self-blame, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, fear of things
associated with the abuse (including objects, smells, places, doctor's visits, etc.), self-esteem
issues, sexual dysfunction. Children who are the victims are also at an increased risk of
sexually transmitted infections like HIV-AIDStivities, or encouraging children to behave in
sexually inappropriate ways.

Constitutional Provision: The constitution of Bangladesh (Article 27, 28 and 31) recognizes
the fundamental right to equality before the law and equal protection of the law. It further
guarantees that 'the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on the grounds only of
religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth and right to protection of law respectively, lay down

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the general principles regarding the protection of children and others from all forms of
discrimination