BishopAccountability.org
	Child Abuse Reports Predicted to Increase in 2011 By Andrea Feliz Garcia Santiago Times April 7, 2011 http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21165:child-abuse-reports-predicted-to-increase-in-2011&catid=45:health-and-science&Itemid=41 During the first three months of 2011, the national minors’ service (SENAME) worked with 1,582 victims of child abuse nationwide. Of the victims helped, 1,206 are underage girls and 376 underage boys. In face of this harsh reality, Cynthia Sanhuesa of Sename’s child neglect and abuse division called the new data bittersweet in nature. Sanhuesa said that despite the persistence of child abuse in Chilean society, the data fortunately also represent an increase in reports and awareness necessary to combat the crime. “The statistics appear high, yet this also signifies that crime of this type is being reported, which is important because someone, an adult, will believe a child and initiate a legal process that will hopefully always result in the aggressor being found guilty or punished.” Sanhueza, along with Sename, said the increased reporting could be a result of public awareness campaigns or greater news coverage of child abuse, such as the case of priest Fernando Karadima. Taking into consideration the abuse cases that have yet to be reported to the organization, Sanhueza said “as a society, Chileans have a duty and a civil responsibility to report such cases. Although there has been an increase in reports, there still exists a behavioral pattern of disbelief among adults when children communicate victimization in some type of abusive situation.” As a result, Sename emphasized the importance of government action in the last few years, providing resources and increasing protection nationwide for child abuse victims. In 2007, there existed a mere four support centers combating child abuse. In 2011, the number of these centers increased to 65 throughout the 15 regions of Chile. “An important increase has taken place in the past few years, which has to do with more than just human willpower, but also the distribution of resources. The state has clearly taken this matter into consideration and has allowed us the resources to establish more support centers,” Sanhueza said. Sename recommends that reports concerning child abuse be made through the police, the public prosecutor’s office, or by calling 800 730 800. Andrea Feliz Garcia ( editor@santiagotimes.cl This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
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