In the past two years, the number of children that were referred for investigation for sexual abuse has remained consistently above 400, the humanitarian organisation “Hope For Children” CRC Policy Center (HFC) has stressed.
According to a press release by HFC, despite the indisputable progress recorded in recent years in various areas related to the protection of Children’s Rights in Cyprus, the data recorded by the Organisation through its multidimensional action, continue to be problematic.
The ‘Hope For Children’ CRC Policy Center is an International Humanitarian and Independent Institution based in Nicosia, Cyprus. It works on humanitarian and development policy relevant to the defense and promotion of children’s rights.
In its press release, it notes that in the last two years the number of children referred for investigation for sexual abuse remains consistently over 400, while the housing and rehabilitation needs of unaccompanied children continue to be significant and urgent.
It says that in 2022, 439 children were referred for investigation for sexual abuse, a number that continues to be high, despite the decrease recorded compared to 2021 when 483.
In addition, more than 170 children were accommodated in 2022 in shelters and in semi-independent living structures of unaccompanied children.
In 2022, HFC supported 231 approved foster families (couples or single persons) throughout Cyprus. In total, approximately 162 children are accommodated in foster families supported by the Organisation. The number of families increased to approximately 50% in 2022.
It says that children as well as parents can turn for help at the telephone lines operated by HFC, namely the 24-hour National Helpline 1466, the European Helpline for Children and Adolescents 116111, and the 24-hour European Missing Children Helpline 116000.The national helpline 1466, in 2022 alone responded to more than 700 phone calls to provide support and guidance services.
For more information about the humanitarian programs of the ‘Hope for Children’ CRC Policy Center at telephone number 22103234 or www.uncrcpc.org.cy.
Source: Cyprus News Agency