A police officer has raised concerns over the alleged sexual exploitation of a 10-year-old boy, warning that boys can also become victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.
According to the officer, the child was allegedly lured into a sexual relationship with an adult man whose barbing salon he attended while learning the trade.
The officer, while recounting the case, said society must pay greater attention to the protection of boys from sexual abuse, noting that such incidents are often overlooked because public discussions around child molestation tend to focus more heavily on girls.
“Gone are the days when we thought it was only our daughters who were being molested. Our sons are victims too. Our generation needs help; we may not have anyone to call our own, if we keep mute,” the officer said.
The account has renewed calls for parents, guardians, teachers and community members to remain vigilant and create safe environments where children can report inappropriate behaviour or suspected abuse.
Child protection advocates have consistently stressed that sexual abuse of minors is a serious crime regardless of the victim’s gender and that children should never be blamed for abuse perpetrated against them by adults.
