Child abuse cases soar twelvefold over four years

“Child abuse . . . not only violates the freedom and rights of children, but also puts out the light for our country's future.” Yonhap

By Lee Min-young

The number of child abuse cases in Korea has increased twelvefold over the past four years.

According to Justice Ministry data revealed Sunday, the number of cases reported to the prosecution last year was 5,456, as against 459 in 2013.

Of the people investigated last year, 626 were indicted.

As of July this year, child abuse cases reported to police stood at 3,298. If this pace continues, the number is likely to surpass last year's total by the end of the year.

Early this year, Rep. Chae Yi-bai of the minor opposition Barunmirae Party proposed a bill requiring anyone who witnesses such a crime to report it to police. The bill is still pending.

“Child abuse is a serious crime that not only violates the freedom and rights of children, but also puts out the light for our country's future," Chae said. "There is an urgent need to improve the current reporting system.”