The number of child abuse cases soared by more than 50 percent in the first half of this year from the same period a year earlier on the back of increased reports, the government said Friday.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said at the relevant ministerial meeting that the number of reports of child abuses cases was 12,666, up 53.4 percent from the previous year. 

The government released a set of plans to prevent child abuse cases in March, which includes enhanced protection of those who report suspected child abuses to the police and inspection into long-term absentees from schools.

The number of reports from teachers and medical staff members, who are required to report suspected child abuses, surged by 55.4 percent from 2,380 to 3,700 cases during the period.

Emergency handling of child abuses rose by 54.1 percent from the same period a year earlier. The number of victims who received a psychological therapy and counselling also jumped 40 percent.

The government further mapped out its plan to make it mandatory for all preschools to be assessed and authorized to curb child abuses cases. When abuses occur in preschools, the grade of the schools will be lowered.

It will also run a big data system called “e-child happiness support system” to predict families where children are at higher risks of being abused and keep track of children’s attendance records at schools and parents’ finance and medical records.

The government will also monitor preschools’ use of CCTV and crack down on unauthorized teachers and child care service operators offering child care services and step up parenting education for parents.

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)