The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has reported receiving close to 10,000 complaints related to child abuse throughout the year 2023. NCPA Chairman Udayakumara Amarasinghe disclosed that a total of 9,434 complaints were documented between January 1 and December 31 of the previous year, indicating a notable increase from the 7,466 complaints registered in 2022.
The complaints encompass various forms of abuse, including 2,242 cases of cruelty, 472 instances of sexual abuse, 404 cases of severe sexual abuse, 51 reports of rape involving female children, and 6 incidents of using children for obscene posts.
Additionally, complaints were lodged concerning child exploitation, trafficking, domestic abuse, neglect, and kidnapping. Mr. Amarasinghe emphasized that these complaints have been forwarded to the respective authorities for further legal action.
Furthermore, discussions are currently underway to amend certain existing laws to strengthen measures against child abuse, as highlighted by the NCPA Chairman.
