Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Cochabamba (Agenzia Fides) - According to a recent report released by the authorities of the municipality of Cercado, this year in the city of Cochabamba (Bolivia) cases of sexual violence and child abuse have increased by 36% compared to 2010. The municipalities where the highest number of assaults were recorded are Alejo Calatayud and Valle Hermoso, districts where the statistics show higher indices, especially within families. From a statement by the office manager for the Defense of Childhood and Adolescence, says that 349 complaints were registered in 2010, and since January, 369, 20 more cases have occurred primarily within the family of children abandoned by parents because forced to emigrate because of the economic crisis. The regional authorities have indicated that the current statistics on sexual violence against children have increased since 2009. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 18/11/2011)
