The number of minors who fell victim to sexual abuse soared more than 40 percent over the past four years, government data showed Thursday, prompting calls for better measures to protect young people.

According to the data collected by the National Police Agency, 6,185 adolescents aged 12-19 suffered sexual violence last year, up 41.2 percent from 4,379 in 2007.

During the cited period, the number also showed an upward trajectory toward the peak last year, with 5,119 in 2008 and 5,765 in 2009, the data showed.

Those aged 15 to 19 turned out to be particularly vulnerable, with 4,529 in that age bracket sexually abused last year. This marks a 43 percent increase from 2007 when 3,159 minors in that age bracket fell prey to the crimes, according to the data.

The number of sexual abuse cases affecting minors accounted for 30.4 percent of the total 20,375 such crimes last year, up from 28.6 percent in 2007, the data showed.

“The increasingly open and liberal society likely attributed to the upward trend of such crimes against adolescents,” an NPA official said. “The police will continue to strive to protect the youngsters.”

Meanwhile, the number of sex offenses adolescents committed against their peers also soared during the 2007-2010 period, data released by the Education Ministry showed.

A total of 166 such cases were reported last year, more than double from 64 in the year 2007. The number has also been on a continued rise during the period, with 83 in 2008 and 96 in 2009, according to the data.

Incidents that involved middle school students accounted for 50.1 percent, followed by 40.6 percent involving high schoolers and 9.1 percent concerning elementary school children, the data showed.

“Such tragedies show no sign of abating, and the age of both victims and offenders is getting younger,” said Rep. Kim Chun-jin of the main opposition Democratic Party, who requested the data from the ministry. “The government must do more to devise measures to stem the tide.” 

(Yonhap News)