TAIPEI: "Premier" Liu Chao-shiuan directed relevant government agencies Thursday to form a task force to map out a project to strengthen the social welfare network in light of a recent increase in the number of deaths caused by child abuse, according to a press release issued by the Government Information Office later that day.

Liu was quoted as saying that although the establishment of a social security network by the "Ministry of the Interior" (MOI) has attained initial positive results since the Chinese New Year holiday, there still are some blind spots in the network, given the increased number of serious child abuse cases reported in recent days.

Liu demanded that social workers single out violent families and set up a database on potential trouble spots. He also said the network should include avenues to health education, stress relief and treatment for drug and alcohol abuse.

Touching on social education, Liu said teachers and social workers should maintain close contact with community leaders and security guards and conduct frequent family visits.

Liu said the network should provide guidance for newlywed couples and new parents and he gave high priority to strengthening the reporting systems for child abuse and campus bullying.

He cited statistics showing that over the past five years, 56 children have died from abuse, 66 percent of whom died at the hands of their parents. Another 17 percent were killed by a cohabiting partner of a parent. Nine percent died at the hands of babysitters.

Meanwhile, 101 children died in murder-suicide cases, when parents chose to take their own lives. Liu said the greatest threat of children being abused comes from those who are closest to them. He said the government should make every effort to encourage all people to pay attention to signs of child abuse and report cases to the authorities.

MOI deputy chief Lin Chung-sun said Thursday that "the act of child abuse or domestic violence is not merely a domestic affair but actually a crime."

He urged the public to use the 24-hour hotlines, 113 and 1957, when they become aware that children are being abused.

Lin said in order to help those in need, the MOI has stepped up promotion of the 113 hotline for the protection of women and children and the 1957 welfare hotline, as well as the reporting systems used by local governments.

According to MOI official Chien Hui-chuan, the number of calls made to the 113 hotline reporting child abuse has been on the rise over the past few years. She said 13,703 children and juveniles have been rescued, provided with emergency relief or taken into care after government intervention.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 04/25/2009 page4)