Mzimba North registers 833 child abuse cases in six months

Mzimba North welfare office has reported 833 child abuse cases in six months from January to July this year.

Speaking during a child Laws, Case Management and Reporting Training for public relations officers and journalists in Mzuzu on Thursday, Mzimba North district social welfare officer Edward Chisanga said the figures are a wake-up call to stakeholders and urged more vigilance to eliminate the vice.

“Child protection interventions need to be enforced in the area. Let us work together to reverse the situation as soon as possible,” he said.

Commenting on the situation, Traditional Authority Jalavikuba attributed the vice to poverty.

He urged organisations dealing with child protection to conduct frequent awareness campaigns to prevent all forms of child abuse in the area.

On his part, Plan Malawi child protection officer Silence Banda said it is good that communities are now able to report cases related to child abuse.

“The good thing is that we are now able to trace the cases with more complaints coming out,” he said.

Plan Malawi, in partnership with Mzuzu Police Station organised the training.

Social Welfare Department exists to provide care, support and protection to all children, vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities guided by relevant national and international laws and policies.