The prevalence of news reports concerning the sexual abuse of minors in madrasas is alarming and unacceptable, to say the least. But it is hardly new.
Since religious institutions like madrasas are meant to be centres of education and spiritual guidance, as well as community spaces, they often harbour and benefit from a culture where questioning authority becomes tantamount to blasphemy. Because of this, children who face abuse within these institutions cannot speak up about the grievous crimes committed against them.
This is part of a greater culture which considers any conversation about sex a taboo, making it easy for predatory clerics and teachers to leverage children’s shame and confusion about sexual matters against them. Not only is victim-blaming an endemic problem here, there is also the issue of trivializing the abuse faced by men and boys.
It must be understood that abuse in educational institutions, religious and otherwise, cannot be solved by arresting only those who are caught, although ensuring that perpetrators are brought to book must be a part of the process.
It is even more important, however, to address the rape culture that makes this abuse prevalent and so untouchable. One of the most crucial measures that must be taken is educating children about their bodies, bodily autonomy, and individual rights. We must create an atmosphere where they can speak up if faced with abuse -- and be assured that they will be taken seriously.
We must actively work towards ensuring that predators in positions of power are not given the space to perpetuate abuse, and that they do not enjoy any level of impunity if they do.
