Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Crimes against children down in 2017: CPU

Crimes against children down in 2017: CPU

Authorities and members of the CPU inspect the body of a slain toddler in Kampong Thom in June 2016. Crimes against children dropped in 2017, CPU figures show. Photo supplied
Authorities and members of the CPU inspect the body of a slain toddler in Kampong Thom in June 2016. Crimes against children dropped in 2017, CPU figures show. Photo supplied

Crimes against children down in 2017: CPU

Cambodia saw a 12 percent decrease in serious crimes against children in 2017, including a marked drop in the number of recorded rapes, according to figures from the Child Protection Unit.

The number of rapes against children dropped from 205 to 147 last year, though there was a slight uptick in the number of homicides, from 21 to 24.

There were 222 cases of major crimes investigated by the NGO across the country involving 232 victims aged 13 and under, as well as homicide victims aged 15 and younger, CPU director James McCabe said. In 2016, the CPU investigated 253 cases against victims 13 and under.

One concern from 2017’s cases was the “disproportionate” number of babies killed by their mother or father, he said, noting that such cases have been very rare in the past, but there were six last year.

“The death of any child is tragic, but when [the perpetrator is] a family member, it’s compounded,” he said.

“The arrest rate is running at 83 percent – that’s something to be applauded. Western countries would be envious of such an arrest rate,” he added.

McCabe put 2017’s successes down to the hard work of the National Police and the CPU’s policing partners, adding that there was an increased “willingness to report crimes against children, with the community knowing that if they report it to the police that something will be done about it”.

“It’s been made very clear civil settlements aren’t to be accepted,” he said, adding that informal financial compensation did not preclude prosecution.

Ros Chivy, deputy provincial police chief in Battambang, which again recorded the highest number of serious crimes committed against children, said raising awareness was key to preventing vulnerable children from being attacked. She added that parents migrating to work in Thailand could leave children open to abuse, which too often came from step-fathers, uncles or even grandfathers.

“We educate the public not to allow young girls to herd cows or leave them alone” – with an older man, even a relative, because that could – “allow the perpetrator to have opportunity to commit crimes easily,” she said.

McCabe also thanked the Kantha Bopha hospital staff for treating children who sustained serious injuries after they were attacked.

“Without the assistance of the hospital … a significant number of the most brutalised children wouldn’t have made it,” he said.

MOST VIEWED

  • Joy as Koh Ker Temple registered by UNESCO

    Cambodia's Koh Ker Temple archaeological site has been officially added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on September 17. The ancient temple, also known as Lingapura or Chok Gargyar, is located in

  • Ream base allegations must end, urges official

    A senior government official urges an end to the allegations and suspicions surrounding the development of Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, now that Prime Minister Hun Manet has addressed the issue on the floor of the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78). Jean-Francois Tain, a geopolitical

  • Cambodia set to celebrate Koh Ker UNESCO listing

    To celebrate the inscription of the Koh Ker archaeological site on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, the Ministry of Cults and Religion has appealed to pagodas and places of worship to celebrate the achievement by ringing bells, shaking rattles and banging gongs on September 20. Venerable

  • CP denied registration documents by ministry

    The Ministry of Interior will not reissue registration documents to the Candlelight Party (CP). Following a September 21 meeting between ministry secretary of state Bun Honn and CP representatives, the ministry cited the fact that there is no relevant law which would authorise it to do

  • Manet touches down in Beijing for high-level meetings

    Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on September 14 for his first official visit to China, where he is slated to attend the 20th China-ASEAN Expo and meet other leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping. Upon his arrival, Manet laid a wreath at the Monument

  • Cambodian diaspora laud Manet’s UN Assembly visit

    Members of the Cambodian diaspora are rallying in support of Prime Minister Hun Manet’s forthcoming visit to the 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) in the US’ New York City this week. Their move is an apparent response to a recent call by self-exiled former