Chungnam Strengthens Cooperation Among Related Agencies to Respond to Child Abuse

[Asia Economy (Naepo) Reporter Jeong Il-woong] Chungnam Province announced on the 25th that, following the recent child abuse death incident in Cheonan City (a child found in a travel bag), it will enhance the role of local governments and strengthen cooperation with Child Protection Agencies.

Currently, the province, city and county governments, Chungnam Provincial Police Agency, Chungnam Provincial Office of Education, and Child Protection Agencies are conducting a "Joint Inspection of Children at Risk of Abuse." The joint inspection focuses on determining whether re-abuse has occurred and the necessity of separation measures for 187 households within the province where re-abuse is suspected.

Additionally, the province operates four Child Protection Agencies responsible for investigating abuse and managing cases, as well as four shelters for abused children that provide protection and treatment, supporting the recovery and healthy growth of affected children.

Furthermore, to strengthen public responsibility in responding to child abuse, the province plans to prioritize the placement of 28 dedicated child abuse officers in 11 cities and counties, including Cheonan City, by October, and expand this to all cities and counties by 2022.

Lee Tae-gyu, Director of the Birth and Childcare Policy Division of the province, stated, "Following the opening of the Central Child Protection Agency in Asan last February, we plan to establish shelters for abused children in Gongju and Seosan within this year," adding, "Going forward, the province will focus more on the early detection and protection of abused children and effective child abuse prevention activities."

Meanwhile, as of last year, the number of reported child abuse cases in Chungnam was 1,464, with biological parents accounting for 70.4% of the perpetrators. The rate of child abuse victims discovered per 1,000 children in the region is approximately 4.16%, and among these, 52.1% experienced multiple forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.