Venidora Oliveira – Sexual abuse against minors is a major problem in Timor-Leste, according to research by the Judicial System Monitoring Program (JSMP).

JSMP legal researcher Rita Marques said the courts in Dili, Suai, Baucau and Oe-Cusse ere continually hearing cases of sexual abuse against minors. "Rates of sexual abuse against minors are very high," she said.

Marquez said sexual abuse cases were tried in court each week. The cases are also being heard during mobile court sessions to districts. Victims of sexual abuse receive counselling at Casa Vida and other protection centers.

Twelve incidents of sexual abuse involving minors were tried in 2013, 28 in 2012, 19 in 2011 and 23 in 2010.

National Commission for Children's Rights president Maria Bareto said the JSMP report showed to all stakeholders the need for serious action to combat violence against children. "These cases are a serious concern for the government and all of us. We need to combat it," she said.

Bareto said laws prohibiting violence against children must be enforced in order to deter other would-be offenders.

Source: http://www.thediliweekly.com/en/news/children-youth/12732-child-sex-abuse-rates-high