More ‘special offices’ to be opened

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate has announced that the number of special offices that investigate the sexual abuse of minors will be increased nationwide.

“Under these measures, the judicial authorities will offer victims a welcoming and relaxing environment in which we will be able to fully establish the details of their case, meaning they will not have to undergo repeat questioning,” said Zheng Xinjian, director of the procurator’s office that handles cases involving minors.

Zheng said more than 310 of the offices — which are decorated like kindergartens to help victims relax and reduce anxiety levels — have already been established in a number of provinces and regions.

Wang Hai, a senior official at the procuratorate’s headquarters, said the investigating officers make audiovisual recordings while gently guiding children to recall details of the abuse they endured.

“The recorded evidence is offered to prosecutors and courts during the investigation and trial to save the children from repeat questioning and spare them further distress,” he said.

In a typical case, one 6-yearold victim was so distressed and anxious that she refused to speak to anyone.

In response, the prosecutors brought her to a special investigation room in a hospital that contained a range of toys and was decorated with drawings of well-known cartoon figures.

During the investigation, the police and prosecutors established a good relationship with the child by playing music to her, telling her funny stories and playing games with her. After a while, the girl had become confident enough to allow the officers to film her as she discussed how she had been abused.

“When dealing with cases such as this, the priority is always to keep the damage to the victim to a minimum,” Zheng said.