The National Child Protection Authority has recorded a significant spike in child abuse complaints during June and July, more than double the typical monthly average, with child abandonment cases predominating.
The National Child Protection Authority has documented a marked increase in complaints related to child abuse over the past two months, according to statements from the authority's Law Enforcement Director. The surge represents a substantial departure from typical complaint patterns, with over 1,000 reports received during June and July alone, compared to the authority's usual monthly range of 600 to 800 cases.
Child abandonment has emerged as the dominant category among the recent complaints. The authority notes that year-to-date figures have climbed to 5,687 complaints, a notable increase from the 4,950 recorded through July of the previous year. Officials attribute part of this spike to the school holiday season, which they warn creates additional vulnerabilities for children requiring heightened parental supervision.
Authority representatives have urged parents to employ non-violent disciplinary approaches rather than physical punishment, emphasizing methods that maintain children's dignity and self-respect. The National Child Protection Authority has promoted resources including a publication titled Shiksa, developed by its mental health unit, as a guide for appropriate child-rearing practices. The authority also highlighted the availability of a confidential 24-hour hotline at 1929, accessible in three languages, which allows children to seek assistance independently.
Officials have also cautioned against misuse of the reporting system, asking the public to ensure the hotline is used responsibly and to avoid filing false complaints.
