Changwon City Launches Province's First 'Child Abuse Response Team' Starting This Month

Results of Selection for Pilot Areas Leading Publicization of Child Abuse Investigations

Changwon City in Gyeongnam Province has become the first in the province to be selected as a "Leading Region for Public Child Abuse Investigation" by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and has separately established a dedicated child abuse investigation team. (Photo by Changwon City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hwang Choi Hyun-joo] Changwon City in Gyeongnam announced on the 2nd that it has been selected as a ‘Public-led Child Abuse Investigation Region’ by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and will establish the province’s first dedicated department for child abuse affairs.

Following the revision of the ‘Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes’ in July last year, the administrative agency will now directly handle tasks protecting abused children, such as receiving reports of child abuse cases, investigations, protective measures for victimized children, and follow-up management of high-risk children, which were previously performed by the Child Protection Agency.

Accordingly, before the full-scale operation in October, the city plans to consult with the Child Protection Agency and police for three months until September on future work plans, and share know-how and investigation techniques through joint investigations. This is a proactive measure reflecting the strong will of Mayor Heo Seong-moo of Changwon City.

The city is focusing its administrative power this year with the goal of achieving ‘Zero Child Abuse Year One.’ On the 1st, a welcome letter containing the work goal titled ‘Our Pledge to Love Children’ was delivered to the employees assigned to the department as of that date.

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