Child helpline service reports surge in abuse calls

By J.K.L Chaaminda

The 1929 Child Helpline Service received a total of 29,667 calls regarding child abuse cases during the last year (2024), of which 7,362 were public complaints, according to the progress report issued by the Ministry of Women and Child Affairs for the year 2024.  

The highest number of public complaints received were related to custody and protection, totaling 2,756. Additionally, 1,950 complaints related to cruelty were recorded, while 1,628 complaints pertained to violations of compulsory education or related issues.  

Furthermore, 165 complaints regarding child labour were received. The report also indicates that an expenditure of Rs. 649,000 was incurred in the previous year to maintain the Child Helpline Service.