Taipei, April 15 (CNA) Taiwan recorded 2,425 child abuse cases last year, with the rate of abuse rising by 17 percent over the past five years, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) said at a press conference on Tuesday.
According to the ministry’s data, the proportion of abused young children under 18 years of age increased from 0.23 percent in 2020 to 0.27 percent in 2024, despite the declining birthrate.
Chang Hsiu-yuan (張秀鴛), director-general of the MOHW’s Department of Protective Services, said at the press event that 93 percent of last year’s cases occurred within the home, with over 80 percent of abusers being the child’s parents.
Only 7 percent of cases took place in external childcare settings, she said, adding that nearly half involved physical abuse, such as slapping or shaking, often triggered by a caregiver’s momentary loss of control.
Chang noted that the rising number of cases reflects both actual incidents and increased public awareness of child abuse, with improved reporting mechanisms and evolving attitudes encouraging more people to report related incidents, including a legal obligation for hospitals to report child abuse cases.
The data showed that 52 percent of cases occurred during daily caregiving routines — such as feeding, bedtime or toilet training.
Common triggers include inconsolable crying, bedtime resistance, mealtime struggles, or refusal to clean up, which can overwhelm caregivers lacking parenting knowledge or support.
Yang Pei-lien (楊珮璉), a child development expert, noted that social media’s portrayal of “perfect parenting” may intensify anxiety and self-doubt among new parents.
She stressed that crying is a baby’s natural way of communicating, and establishing routines helps convey a sense of safety to the child while reducing parental stress.
Yang encouraged families to share parenting responsibilities, set boundaries, and practice staying composed and supportive during high-stress moments.
“You don’t have to be perfect parents — being dedicated ones is enough,” she said.
