Doctor checks on an abused kid at a kindergarten in HCM City

The issue was discussed after a report on the implementation of child abuse prevention policies in the city from 2015 to 2019 was released recently. According to the report, from 2011 to 2014, 691 children in HCM City were abused.

From 2015 to June 2019, 782 children were abused including 695 sexual abuse cases. Six children died, six suffered from various injuries, 14 suffered from mental problems, 86 were pregnant while nine had to drop out of school and 661 others were affected.

However, experts said that the numbers were still inaccurate because many families failed to report cases.

HCM City People's Committee said child abuse problem was becoming more complicated as the criminals might be those with high education or position. They were also mostly male adults who took advantages of others' trust to commit the crimes, coerced or threatened victims.

In previous years, the crimes often occurred in abandoned or deserted locations. Lately, crimes can occur in public places like parks or schools.

According to the local authorities, registration at guesthouses and hotels were not strict enough so they had faced many difficulties during investigations.

HCM City People's Committee asked the Ministry of Justice to set up a special force to protect children. People's courts at district level were asked to find a solution for children who can't live with their parents. State employees will be trained to work with children. Dtinews

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