A record number of reports regarding child abuse were received by an organisation tackling the issue in Brussels and Flanders in 2021.
For the first time since the concept's inception, child abuse centres in Flanders and Brussels received 7,535 reports about more than 10,000 children in 2021, a 5% increase from the previous year, according to the latest figures from the Flemish Expertise Centre for Child Abuse, published on Thursday.
Overall, the centres reached a total of 10,070 children and young people, marking the first time in the centre's history that reports surpassed the milestone of 10,000.
Of these 10,000 children, 36% had reportedly suffered emotional abuse or neglect, 28% had experienced physical abuse, 17% had suffered sexual abuse, and 15% were found to be in general risk situations.
Overall, 28% of these reports came from daycare centres, schools, and after-school programmes, 24% from healthcare officials, and 14% from both the child's immediate environment and welfare organisations.
The Flemish Government established this centre, among others, to provide confidential assistance and support in cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.
The centre's reaction
Tim Stroobants, director of the Flemish Expertise Centre for Child Abuse, said in a statement that the increase in the number of reports that are being made is encouraging for the management of these cases, "despite the limited opportunities due to Covid-19 measures and additional difficulties in installing appropriate help."
Related News
- Majority of Brussels nurseries facing staff shortages and temporary closures
- Sexual violence against children on the increase, UN report notes
- Audit confirms childcare in Flanders facing systemic problems
He stressed that in 2021, children and young people were more likely to be left alone, and family tensions and the incidence of child abuse were likely to rise. "Teachers, youth workers, care and assistance providers, and others were less able to interact with them," he added.
This means that many incidents slip under the radar or go unseen by outsiders.
