Combating child abuse - Don't let it be too late!

VTV.vn - Recently, a series of child abuse cases with serious consequences have shocked the public.

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These are not just statistics or isolated incidents; they serve as a warning about the gaps in child protection, starting from families and communities. On International Children's Day, June 1st, besides bringing joy to children, the story of protecting them from dangers and threats is also a topic worth considering.

Recently, the case of a 4-year-old girl in Hanoi who died due to abuse has shocked public opinion. According to information from the investigating agency, the child was abused for a long time by her biological mother and her mother's lover in a rented room in Phu Dien ward. The girl was beaten, starved for many days, and died from severe injuries.

Not long before that, public opinion was also outraged by the case of a 2-year-old girl in Ho Chi Minh City who was severely injured due to abuse. On May 6, 2026, the Department of Maternal and Child Health ( Ministry of Health ) issued a document requesting the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health to urgently coordinate with relevant agencies to protect the child, support treatment, and help the victim recover her health.

It is noteworthy that in recent years, there have been numerous cases of child abuse with such heartbreaking consequences. These recurring incidents show that children are still facing the risk of violence even in their closest living environments.

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Child abuse leaves behind more than just physical injuries.

According to psychologists, abused children can suffer long-lasting psychological trauma such as: loss of a sense of security, anxiety disorders, fear of social interaction, and negative impacts on their emotional and behavioral development in adulthood…

The worrying thing is that many incidents are only discovered when the consequences are already too serious. In many cases, unusual signs had appeared beforehand, but those around them did not notice them, and therefore could not intervene in time.

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Strengthening child protection measures

In response to this situation, in May 2026, the Ministry of Health sent a document to the People's Committees of provinces and cities requesting them to continue implementing drastic measures to protect children and prevent violence and abuse against children nationwide.

Accordingly, localities need to focus on implementing five key tasks:

- Strengthen communication and education on child protection skills.

- Enhance the responsibility of families and communities in detecting and reporting incidents.

- Promptly receive and process information regarding complaints and denunciations.

- Strengthen inspection and monitoring of law enforcement.

- Maintain the effectiveness of hotlines and action programs for children.

Notably, the Ministry of Health emphasized the need for strict handling of cases involving concealment or negligence in dealing with incidents related to children.

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We can't just wait until tragedy strikes.

According to experts, protecting children is not the responsibility of any single agency or family, but requires the participation of the entire society.

A child is unlikely to be able to defend themselves against violence. Therefore:

Parents need to learn how to raise children in a positive way and manage their emotions.

Teachers need to be able to identify early signs of harm in children.

- Neighbors and the community should proactively report any suspected child abuse.

- Authorities need to intervene more quickly and decisively.

Every case of child abuse that comes to light leaves behind outrage and sorrow. But more importantly, how can we prevent similar tragedies from happening again?

Source: https://vtv.vn/chong-bao-hanh-tre-em-dung-de-qua-muon-100260531135636722.htm