The Human Rights Commission is launching an inquiry into the causes of child sexual abuse. Government authorities received 7,787 complaints of sexual assault last year. More than half involved children.
The commission says that the aim of the study is to identify the key causes of child sexual abuse so that they can be addressed. Commission head Chen Chu says abuse at a young age can negatively impact a person for the rest of their life.
Chen says schools and institutions often cover up sexual abuse cases involving minors. She says school authorities may destroy evidence or simply not take the matter seriously. Chen says that the number of cases of child sexual abuse is likely underreported.
The Human Rights Commission says it wants to carry out 500 interviews with victims for the inquiry. It says it will conduct 100 in person, while the rest will take place on the phone or in writing.
The final report is expected next July.