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Online sexual abuse of kids rising; better rescue, rehab measures pushed

Online sexual abuse of kids rising; better rescue, rehab measures pushed

Provided by INQUIRER.net.

Trust a factor: More women than men convicted for child abuse since 2019



MANILA, Philippines — The reported cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) rose to more than 2.7 million since 2019, according to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which called for stronger protection and rehabilitation measures.

This was based on their Child Rights Center report published on February 11, the CHR said in a press release on Tuesday

READ: Pope Francis’s thorniest challenge: clerical sex abuse

“In 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) recorded 426,000 cyber tipline reports. This figure nearly tripled in 2020 to 1,297,000 cases and continued to escalate in 2023, with 2,740,905 reported incidents,” it said, citing the report.

The rise in cases was mainly attributed to poverty, with many incidents involving family members as perpetrators.

The CHR noted that the trauma caused by abuse — made worse by fear, shame, and stressful legal processes — often prevents child victims from asking for help or seeking justice.

Despite local and international measures meant to protect children from such abuses, it said significant challenges persist in the reporting of cases and in rehabilitation and reintegration efforts for victims.

This prompted the CHR to press the government for stronger child protection and rehabilitation measures.

“The CHR calls on the government and all concerned institutions to uphold the principle of the best interests of the child as a paramount consideration in all proceedings involving children,” the CHR said.

“Rescue and rehabilitation efforts must adopt a child-sensitive and trauma-informed approach, ensuring sufficient resources for psychosocial recovery and long-term support,” it also suggested.

The CHR also wants appropriate psychological and financial interventions, not only for the victims but also for family members who might have committed abuse to break cycles of exploitation.

“To prevent re-traumatization during legal proceedings, the CHR also recommends the use of pre-recorded testimonies in place of repeated in-person recounting of abuse,” it said.

READ: Trust a factor: More women than men convicted for child abuse since 2019

The CHR also recommended a boost in the ongoing OSAEC awareness campaigns, poverty and livelihood programs, stronger ties with internet providers to stop online abuse, and more community activities for children.

“As the Philippines’ national human rights institution, the CHR remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold and advance the rights of every Filipino child,” it said.

“Addressing OSAEC requires a whole-of-society response. We call on government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and local communities to work together to build a digital environment where children are safe, valued, and empowered,” the CHR also said.

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