Nearly 9,000 reports of child abuse recorded in 2022 — CWC

Almost 9,000 reports of child abuse have been recorded in 2022, Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) executive director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales said Friday.

At a televised public briefing, Tapales said the figure came from the total reports from the children protection units in hospitals and the helpline of the CWC, which was launched in October last year.

“Batay po sa datos na nakuha namin sa women and children protection unit na present po sa mga hospital natin sa buong Pilipinas, noong 2022 po, may 8,948 na kabataan ang naitalang naabuso,” he said.

(Based on the date we got from the women and children protection unit in hospitals nationwide, there were 8,948 reports of child abuse.)

“Doon naman po sa Makabata Helpline namin, meron po kasi kaming helpline na itinayo noong October, meron 43 na po na kliyente na tumawag sa amin ng pang-aabuso,” he added.

(From our Makabata Helpline that we launched in October, there were 34 clients who reported child abuse.)

Most of the victims were around 15 to 17 years old, according to Tapales. The incidents of child abuse occurred in difference areas such as home, schools, and the community, he added.

Tapales said the CWC helpline accommodates concerns involving sexual abuse, bullying, and mental health. The agency also provides referral for victims who need specific services.

Makabata Helpline can be reached at telephone number 1383, mobile numbers 09158022375 (Globe) and 09603779863 (Smart), email at makabata1383@cwc.gov.ph, and Facebook page at Makabata Helpline.

In light of the issue on child abuse, Tapales said the CWC is also pushing for legislation that would give health and psychosocial support to children. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News