Rise in child abuse, sexual assault cases - Solicitor General

Ariyapala WANSATHILAKE, Kurunegala central special cor

About 400 sexual abuse cases are pending in the Kurunegala High Court. The Justice Ministry will take measures to dispose of the pending cases without delay, Additional Solicitor General Sarath Jayamanne said.

Addressing a one day seminar on Child and Sexual Abuse Cases, Jayamanne said leaving underage girls alone in their homes even for a brief period, has become dangerous now.

"This is because children have been sexually abused. There has been a considerable rise in child abuse, sexual assault and rape cases this year. Most cases have been reported from Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, Panadura, Kahawattha and Tangalla," he said.

The seminar was held at the Kurunegala Provincial Secretariat Conference Hall. Jayamanna said villagers go to paddy fields, chenas or workplaces leaving their children at home either alone or in the custody of their relatives.

"There have been several instances where relatives took undue advantage of the situation and sexually abused these children," he said. Jayamanne told parents they should not place too much trust in relatives when leaving children with them.

He said the public should not be afraid to provide information to the Police about any crime.

"It is the duty of all citizens to report all crimes to the Police." Jayamanna said the workshop was important to educate parents on child abuse prevention methods.

Divisional Secretaries and Police and Childcare Probation Officers attended the seminar.

North Western Provincial Governor Tissa R. Balalla headed the function.