Senate hears rise in child and adult abuse cases linked to pandemic confinement

The Comisión de Nombramientos convened on June 23, 2021, to discuss the appointment of Carmen Ana González as the new Secretary of the Family. A significant focus of the meeting was the alarming statistics surrounding calls related to abuse and domestic violence, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the session, it was revealed that the department received an average of 12,000 calls annually regarding various forms of maltreatment. In 2019, there were 15,634 calls, which dropped to 10,833 in 2020, a decline attributed to reduced visibility during the pandemic. The discussion highlighted concerns that the confinement measures may have led to an increase in abuse cases, particularly against children and vulnerable adults, although specific numbers were not provided.

González emphasized the need for increased visibility and intervention in cases of domestic violence, noting that the pandemic had obscured many incidents due to victims being confined at home. To address this issue, the department has launched a campaign titled "Yo defiendo el futuro," aimed at raising awareness and promoting responsibility within the community.

The meeting underscored the critical need for ongoing education and outreach to ensure that victims of abuse can access help and support, especially in challenging times when visibility is compromised. The appointment of González is seen as a pivotal step in addressing these pressing issues within the family and social services sector.