Colombia’s family welfare institute ICBF announced Wednesday that it has received 35,204 complaints of child abuse so far in 2010.
The organization called on Colombians to protect children against mistreatment and child sexual abuse by reporting crimes as soon as they happen.
“Timely reporting can help preserve the lives and safety of our children and adolescents,” said ICBF Director General Elvira Forero Hernandez. “Silence makes you an accomplice. If people file complaints society will be strengthened.”
In 2010, 7,637 complaints filed were for sexual abuse. During the same period from January to October of this year, 974 of the complaints were for child labor exploitation.