Authorities must join hands to better protect juveniles

AHEAD OF THE 61st International Children’s Day on Friday, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate held a news conference announcing the procuratorial organs will punish juvenile delinquency and strengthen the judicial protection of minors in accordance with the law. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

While juvenile delinquency is a problem, the bigger problem is the number of sexual assaults on minors, with the culprits predominantly acquaintances of their families, such as neighbors, relatives, friends, even teachers.

Because of this, sexual assaults on juveniles often go unreported, as the culprits’ relationship with the parents of the victim makes it difficult for the children to tell their parents.

Moreover, in many cases, when the parents of victims find acquaintances have sexually violated their children, they might choose not to call the police in order to “save face”. As a result, many suspects have gone unpunished. This has encouraged more to follow suit.

Sexual crimes against minors do severe psychological damage and many victims suffer the psychological wounds for life. It is necessary for all related departments, such as the police and the judiciary, to cooperate to charge those responsible for such crimes. And those convicted of sexually assaulting children should be severely punished to deter others.

Also, the education department must strengthen the self-protection awareness of children.

Other departments can perform a better role, too. Data show that there is a high rate of suspects who sexually assault minors committing similar deeds again. Therefore, all professions related with children must have job admittance systems that ban those with records of crimes against minors.

Only with comprehensive joint efforts will children be better protected.