126 cases of child abuse reported in June alone

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Service has revealed that 126 cases of child abuse were reported to them in June alone.

The ministry recently publicized statistics for the month of June, revealing that the authority received and attended to a total of 248 cases in June.

These include cases of violence against children, domestic violence, gender-based violence, family issues, care and support issues, behavioral problems, child rights violations and cases of children in conflict with the law.

Out of the 126 cases of violence against children, a majority involved negligence; 28. The remaining cases included 27 cases of domestic violence in the presence of the child, 26 cases of emotional and mental abuse, 24 cases of sexual abuse, 16 cases of physical abuse, two cases of cyber bullying, one case of oppression, one case of exploitation and one that came under threatening.

Further, of the 40 cases linked to gender-based violence and domestic violence reported in June, 22 were cases of physical violence, eight of emotional and verbal abuse, four of sexual abuse and three of intimidation. Further, one victim was reported to have been raped while another victim’s property was seized/damaged.

26 cases were to do with family issues, of which 13 victims were identified as parenting issues, 11 were issues related to custody and rights to meet and two were connected with property.

The ministry also received 20 cases of self-harm and suicidal behavior during June. These included 11 victims of self-harm, eight victims who attempted suicide as well as one victim with suicidal thoughts.

Throughout June, 19 cases of care and support for the elderly and persons with disabilities were also reported. These included 15 cases of care and support for persons with disabilities and four cases of care and support for the elderly.

The ministry also reported 12 cases of behavioral problems including seven children who ran away from home and three who threw temper tantrums. Two children who refused to attend school, were also included among these.

Further, the ministry also received four cases of child rights violations where three involved children being stripped of their right to education and one who was refused vaccination access.

Also, one child was reported to be in violation of the law.

Statistics go on to indicate that 196 children were under state care by the end of June 2022, with six children reintegrated with families and four taken into state care. One child was taken into foster care in this period.