By Daily News Reporter in Dodoma
AT least 14,419
cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) experienced by children were
reported to the Police Gender Desk in 2018 which is an increase of 1,034
cases from 13,457 cases reported in
2017.
Minister for
Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Ms Ummy
Mwalimu, made the disclosure here yesterday, pointing out that the
increase is equivalent to 7.7 per cent.
"The figures issued
by the Police Force in 2018 indicate that there were at least 14,419
violence cases against children reported to Police," said the minister
while delivering an opening speech during a social welfare officers'
symposium.
The symposium,
which was organised by the Community Development Association of Tanzania
(CODEPATA) brings together social welfare officers from across the
country to discuss a number of issues pertaining to their profession.
Ms Mwalimu noted
that there are a number of initiatives carried out by the government in
conjunction with key stakeholders to encourage members of the public
report to security organs on GBV.
"The government plans to extend a toll free dubbed Child Help Line of 116 to 24 hours from 12 hours, five days a week.
Social welfare officers have a duty to continue encouraging members of the public to report to security organs," she said.
On his part,
Director of Social Development Department in the Ministry of Health,
Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dr Patrick Golwike,
said ten topics will be presented before the meeting.
"The meeting
provides social welfare officers with a platform to discuss issues
pertaining to their profession," said the director.
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