A Total of 257 Social Welfare Cases Filed to Ministry in August
Cases involving violence against children formed the largest category. | Photo: MV+
The Ministry of Health, Family & Welfare attended 257 cases during August 2026, according to monthly statistical figures shared on social media by Social and Family Development.
As per the statistics, cases involving violence against children formed the largest category, with authorities recording 91 individual incidents comprising 38 male and 53 female victims. Reports of neglect accounted for the highest number of child violence incidents at 32 cases, followed by 20 reported instances of sexual abuse. Officials also registered 13 cases of physical abuse, ten domestic violence witness reports, eight bullying complaints, four instances of emotional abuse, and one blackmail report.
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Gender-based violence and domestic violence reports accounted for 50 cases during the month, disproportionately affecting women, who represented 45 of the victims. Physical violence and abuse accounted for 19 cases, whilst emotional or verbal abuse made up 15 cases. Authorities additionally logged seven cases of sexual violence, alongside isolated reports of neglect, intimidation, blackmail, and illegal restriction of movement.
Furthermore, 36 family-related issues, split equally between 18 male and 18 female individuals, were managed by the Ministry. These included 12 parenting disputes, 19 child access disputes, and five custody matters. In addition, officers handled 18 cases of child behavioural problems, which included temper tantrums, school refusal, and instances of children running away from home.
In terms of support services, the Ministry provided care and assistance to 13 individuals across several categories, including persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, individuals with mental health conditions, and homeless individuals. The Ministry’s helpline services handled a heavy volume of queries, with Child Help Line 1412 receiving 2,003 calls and Social Service Helpline 1421 receiving 464 calls. Over the course of the month, trained professionals conducted 229 counselling sessions, 14 parenting guidance sessions, and five psychosocial support sessions to assist affected families.
