Child abuse crisis : 68% of cases involve neglect, physical and sexual abuse

68 percent of child abuse in the country were child neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, 73 percent of the perpetrators are known to the victims and 50 percent are immediate family members.

The Ministry of Women Children and Social Protection says the statistics reveal that child abuse and neglect often occurs within a child’s safe space.

They say in most cases, the perpetrator is someone within a child’s immediate family and this is evident in 50 percent of the cases reported in 2023.

They also highlighted that according to the Child Welfare Act National Database, 1,477 cases were reported in 2023.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya says we need to raise awareness on child protection and children’s rights and to advocate for children’s issues.

Tabuya adds we need to celebrate and commemorate World Children’s Day and Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.