Violence Against Girl Children: A Comprehensive Review on Causes, Consequences, Prevention, and the Role of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Violence against girl children is a major global public health and human rights concern affecting physical, psychological, social, and educational well-being. Girls are vulnerable to physical abuse, sexual violence, emotional abuse, trafficking, cyber exploitation, and neglect. This review article examines the magnitude, risk factors, consequences, legal safeguards, preventive strategies, and the role of healthcare professionals in protecting girl children. Literature was reviewed from databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, WHO publications, UNICEF reports, and governmental reports. The review identified multiple contributing factors, such as gender inequality, poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, social stigma, and increasing digital vulnerabilities. Violence against girls leads to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and long-term trauma. Legal frameworks, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, play a significant role in child protection; however, underreporting and inadequate implementation remain major challenges. Nurses and healthcare professionals contribute through early identification, mandatory reporting, counselling, rehabilitation, and community awareness programs. Preventive strategies involving families, schools, healthcare systems, communities, and policymakers are essential to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of girl children.