The Department of Social Welfare has set up two hotlines that citizens can call to report instances of child abuse.
“These lines are specifically for cases involving minors. Anyone can call and make a report,” an official from the department told 7Day.
The creation of these hotlines come after public campaigns for harsher sentences for sex offenders, particularly in incidents involving minors.
Earlier this week, Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Minister U Win Myat Aye made a request to the Union Attorney General’s Office regarding plans to increase the penalty for convicted child sex offenders. If his requests are accepted, prison sentences in these cases would range from 10 years to life.
There have also been talks about introducing the death penalty in such instances.
In various areas around the country, authorities are distributing pamphlets and putting up signboards in an effort to warn and educate people about cases involving the abuse of minors.
“Most rape cases are premeditated. Cases involving the rape of a minor are especially abhorrent. To prevent this, adults shouldn’t have siblings stay in the same room, let alone with strangers. However, because not every family can give their children their own rooms, these incidents will still happen. If we set the example by severely punishing one or two offenders, I believe that things will start to get better,” a retired police officer told 7Day.
If you know of a child who is being or has been raped, abused, and/or exploited, you can reach the hotlines at 067404999, and 067404222.
