The Ministry of Social and Family Development has reported that 85 cases of child abuse were recorded in December 2025, with child neglect identified as the most frequently reported form of abuse during the month.

According to statistics released by the ministry, a total of 224 cases were submitted in December. Of these, 85 cases involved child abuse, including 40 cases involving girls, 44 involving boys, and one case where the child’s gender was not disclosed. The ministry said neglect was the most common form of abuse reported, followed by physical abuse.

A breakdown of child abuse cases shows 25 cases of neglect, 15 cases of physical abuse, 14 cases of sexual abuse, 11 cases involving children witnessing domestic violence, and six cases of psychological abuse. The ministry also recorded one case of child abandonment and seven cases classified under other forms of abuse. Reports of blackmail, sexual grooming and harassment involving children were also received during the month.

In addition, the ministry received 50 cases related to family issues in December, including 21 cases involving girls and 29 involving boys. The most common family-related issue reported was childcare, accounting for 18 cases, followed by 13 cases related to child visitation and five cases concerning child expenses.

The ministry also reported a single child rights–related case in December, involving a boy seeking access to official documentation such as an identity card, passport or birth certificate. The ministry said it is reviewing such cases to ensure the protection of children’s rights and interests.

Statistics further showed that 53 cases of gender-based and domestic violence were reported to the ministry during the month. The most common cases involved sexual harassment, with 16 reports, followed by 15 cases of physical abuse. Of the physical abuse cases, 14 involved women and one involved a man. Other reported cases included 13 psychological and verbal abuse cases, intimidation, neglect and property damage. In total, 50 cases of domestic violence against women and three cases against men were recorded.

The ministry also received 19 cases related to the care and support of elderly persons and persons with disabilities in December, with 16 cases involving individuals with disabilities.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development said it continues to work with relevant agencies to provide protection and support to affected individuals, while strengthening prevention and response measures to reduce the number of reported cases.