The Enemies Within: A Discourse of the Roles of Social Work and Policy Trust in Dealing with Pedophilia and the Scourge of Child Abuse

Child abuse, in its various forms—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect—remains a persistent global challenge, with pedophilia and child exploitation emerging as severe social menaces. The increasing prevalence of child abuse is often perpetrated by individuals within the victim’s immediate environment, reinforcing the notion of “enemies within.” These perpetrators, who include parents, guardians, educators, and community leaders, exploit children’s vulnerability, leading to lifelong psychological, emotional, and physical consequences. This paper examines the complexities surrounding child abuse, focusing on its causes, the policy frameworks addressing the issue, and the role of social work in mitigating its impact. Drawing on legal frameworks such as the Child Rights Act (2003) and international conventions, this study evaluates the effectiveness of policy responses in Nigeria, highlighting areas of enforcement failure and systemic weaknesses. Additionally, it underscores the vital roles of social workers in prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation, while assessing the challenges they face, such as resource constraints and cultural stigmatization. The findings suggest that while legislative measures exist, their implementation remains weak due to enforcement gaps, societal stigma, and inadequate social welfare services. This paper recommendscomprehensive policy implementations, increased governmental and non-governmental intervention, community sensitization, and a strengthened social work sector to combat child abuse effectively.