By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

REPORTED child abuse cases in 2013 increased by 18 per cent compared to the previous year, according to statistics released yesterday by the Ministry of Social Services.

Of concern as well was an increase in the number of reported child neglect cases that stood at 257 in 2013 compared to 202 in 2012.

In 2012, 417 child abuse cases were recorded. That number jumped to 490 in 2013.

The statistics were released as the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development prepares to observe Child Protection month in April.

Under the theme “Toward Child-Centred Societies: Learn from the Past, Act for the Future”, a host of events have been planned to educate and raise awareness about child protection issues.

Those events included yesterday’s pinning of a blue ribbon on Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.

The blue ribbon signifies the dark blue bruises inflicted by abuse.

Church services and school visits by social service officials are also expected to take place next month.

In 2008, 701 child abuse cases were recorded, the most to be recorded within the last eight years.

In 2009, 680 cases were recorded, with 618 in 2006 and 604 in 2011. Fewer than 600 cases were reported in 2007 (520), 2010 (499), 2012 (417) and 2013 (480).

Of the child abuse cases reported last year, 89 took place on a Family Island.