​When it comes to child abuse, silence often shields the crime. Many victims are too afraid, ashamed, or confused to come forward. In such cases, it is often the trained eye of a healthcare professional (especially within psychiatry) that picks up the earliest signs of distress. Subtle behavioural changes such as sudden quietness, emotional outbursts, irritability, or disruptions in sleep patterns might signal a deeper, hidden trauma. For children, symptoms can also include bedwetting, self-neglect, avoidance, or excessive sleeping or insomnia. These clues, when recognized early, can make a crucial difference. 

At AKU, the Department of Psychiatry plays a central role in identifying and responding to suspected abuse cases. The process is not only clinical but also deeply compassionate and collaborative. Multiple professionals across departments come together to offer comprehensive care. The approach begins with recognizing the symptoms, followed by sensitive and confidential interaction with the child and family. Professionals such as Dr. Nargis Asad, Dr. Kishwar Enam, Dr Fyezah Jehan and Dr. Tania Nadeem work as part of an internal support group that ensures each case is handled with empathy, discretion, and professional integrity. 

A vital part of this approach involves educating the families, especially in cases where abuse is perpetrated by relatives, including incest. It becomes essential to manage the delicate balance between ensuring the child’s safety and navigating the family dynamics. These special teams maintain strict confidentiality and follow established clinical protocols to protect the victim while initiating necessary steps. 

Close coordination with child protective services is another key aspect. While professionals take the lead in offering psychological support and clinical care, external agencies are contacted to provide legal and protective backing. Unfortunately, one of the major challenges in Pakistan remains the lack of safe shelters and dedicated protective spaces in the country. This often delays or complicates immediate action. The absence of state supported shelter homes creates a vacuum where vulnerable children continue to remain at risk. Despite these systemic gaps, AKU continues to train medical students, interns, and residents to be vigilant and prepared. Classroom teaching, communication skills training, and clinical rotations equip young healthcare professionals to deal with such sensitive cases. These future doctors are taught to look beyond the surface, ask the right questions, and respond with empathy and care. 

Raising awareness remains one of the most important preventive measures. As Dr. Nargis Asad emphasizes, “We need to raise awareness in educational institutes, the importance of these subjects for children so they know what’s right and what’s not. More coordination and collaboration with other institutes is needed. And we must ensure thorough training of medical professionals all over Pakistan is conducted.” 

Note: For more information as a parent/guardian consult this flyer.