In April, the Ministry of Social and Family Development received a total of 2,150 calls, of which 1,778 were directed to the Child Helpline.

According to data shared by the ministry, 66 of these calls were self-reported by children, 1,198 were made by adults, and 514 were submitted anonymously.

During the same period, the Ministry’s social service helpline, 1421, recorded 280 complaints.

A total of 35 cases involving self-harm and suicide attempts were reported. These included 26 cases involving women and nine involving men.

The Ministry received 32 reports relating to family-related issues. The most frequently reported among these were childcare-related concerns, which accounted for 13 cases.

The second most common category involved financial matters, particularly those related to child maintenance. Eight such cases were recorded, comprising five instances of non-payment of child support and six disputes regarding child access arrangements.

In April, 21 disciplinary cases were reported, the majority of which involved children leaving home without prior notice. Seven such incidents were documented.

Five cases of school refusal were also reported. In total, 22 cases under the categories of school refusal and home-leaving were recorded, involving 16 boys and six girls.

Additionally, the Ministry received six reports concerning child rights and 98 reports of various forms of child abuse.

Among the abuse cases, neglect was the most prevalent, with 32 incidents recorded. Sexual assault was the second most commonly reported form of abuse, with 21 cases.

Other reported cases included 18 instances of physical harm, 12 involving psychological or emotional harm, and four reports of children exposed to acts of domestic violence. There were also three cases of online bullying perpetrated by other children, two cases of peer-to-peer bullying, two incidents of victimisation, and one case involving the abandonment of a child.

Finally, 15 cases concerning care arrangements for children were brought to the Ministry’s attention during the month.

In April, 21 disciplinary cases were reported, with the majority involving instances of children leaving home without prior notice. Seven such incidents were noted.

Five cases of school refusal were also documented. In total, 22 cases falling under the categories of school refusal and home-leaving were registered, involving 16 boys and six girls.

The Ministry additionally received six reports concerning child rights and 98 reports of various forms of child abuse.

Among the abuse cases, neglect emerged as the most prevalent, with 32 incidents recorded. Sexual assault was the second most frequently reported form of abuse, with 21 cases in April.