Minister of Gender and Family Zeneesha Shaheed Zaki has stated that abuse against children cost the nation both economically and socially.

She made the statement in the speech given to mark the World Day for Prevention of Child Abuse.

In her speech, Minister Zeneesha said we must accept there were social and economic consequences of child abuse and empowering children against such abuse.

In spite of their assertations on the importance of preventing abuse, the Minister noted that over 50 percent of cases to the Ministry were on child abuse.

As such, over the past four months, over 480 cases of child abuse were filed with the Ministry, as per statistics. This, the Minister noted, included physical, emotional, psychological and sexual abuses, as well as neglect.

Noting that all forms of abuse cannot be tolerated, Minister Zeneesha said all abuse can be halted. She cited that awareness and action was key in preventing abuse.