In a candid and heartfelt interview with VOA Urdu, the renowned Pakistani actor Nadia Jamil bravely opened up about her personal experience with sexual abuse. Her courageous revelation shed light on a grim reality that persists in society and highlighted the urgent need for awareness, prevention, and support for survivors.
Jamil shared that the incidents happened during her childhood, at the hands of the house help, but were initially overlooked, which caused her to downplay their significance. However, witnessing the horrifying Kasur incident and the abuse suffered by innocent children made her realize the importance of acknowledging her own experience. Her goal was not to seek attention but to let survivors know they are not alone and can overcome their trauma.
She emphasized that child abuse is sadly prevalent in Pakistani society, indicating a deeper problem of mental illness. To combat this, she proposed several solutions, including poverty alleviation, education, social awareness campaigns, and teaching children to differentiate between good and bad touch. Moreover, she urged parents to create an open and supportive environment for their children to confide in them, even seeking professional help if needed.
Despite the difficulty of speaking out, Jamil shared her interview on social media to convey the reality of child abuse from a survivor’s perspective, unfiltered and free from dilution. She wanted to dispel any shame associated with being a survivor and encouraged others to share their stories with the hashtag “Not my shame.”
“میرے ساتھ جنسی زیادتی گھریلو ملازمین نے کی‘‘
پاکستانی اداکارہ نادیہ جمیل کا کہنا ہے کہ قصور میں بچوں کے ساتھ زیادتی کے واقعات کے منظرِ عام پر آنے کے بعد انھوں نے بچپن میں اپنے ساتھ ہونے والی جنسی زیادتی پر بات کرنے کا فیصلہ کیا#nadiajamil #childabuse pic.twitter.com/13ZOtJdl9E— VOA Urdu (@voaurdu) July 15, 2023
#notmyshame
This was not an easy interview to give.
But people should know this is a reality. We hear news reports about such cases, I want you to hear it from a survivor’s voice. Unadulterated.
This was not my fault. I was a child. This is happening even as you read this… https://t.co/BjpjFttzcM— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) July 18, 2023
I didn’t tell till ANYONE
I was about 19.
Was too ashamed and locked in patterns which think abuse is normal.
My parents have loved me deeply.
But fear of the predators superseded everything for me. I was also scared he would hurt my mother.
All parents slip up somewhere.… https://t.co/R3Vx4KxXIX— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) July 19, 2023
Addressing her family’s initial response to the matter, Jamil acknowledged that mistakes happen, but it’s essential to learn from them, build bridges, and foster a positive, loving, and respectful environment.
Jamil’s bravery in sharing her story serves as a wake-up call for society to confront child sexual abuse head-on. Her words underscore the urgency of implementing comprehensive measures to protect children and create a supportive space where survivors can find strength and healing.
