Child Abuse Hits Record Numbers In Japan

Japan is finding more child abuse than ever before.

Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministry released a report Thursday listing 2011 as having the highest number of child abuse cases reported in the country's history.

So why is abuse on the rise?

It might not be. Authorities believe the numbers are actually good news, a sign that child consultation centers are doing a better job of rooting out abusive parents.

In fact, the numbers have been gone up consistently since reporting began two decades ago. An official at the minstry said:

"It reflects increased cooperation between related organisations, and a rise in the public's interest in child abuse."

The ministry found that the vast majority of abusers are the children's biological mothers, who account for nearly 60% of all cases.

Japan is on the right track. We won't be satisfied until ALL abuse cases are reported and stopped!

Tags: child, child abuse, children, country, government, japan, mothers, parents