Child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation “reach critical levels in Romania”

Child abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation are reaching critical levels in Romania, the Save the Children organization warns. Last year, there were over 40.000 reports, compared to almost 20.000 cases reported the year before. And in Neamt County, authorities investigated over 850 cases of child abuse last year, while 660 were registered in 2024.

Reporter: In terms of forms of child abuse, last year cases of emotional abuse and neglect predominated, followed by those of sexual abuse and physical abuse. Specialists proposed 87 special protection measures.

To the representative of the department, Magda Vasilache: The figures confirm that child abuse remains a serious and persistent problem, with a clear growth trend, including in terms of the most severe forms of violence. The large number of cases investigated and the need to apply special protection measures show that, year after year, dozens of children are removed from their family environment in order to ensure their protection.

The negative statistics also continue at the Neamt County Police Inspectorate.

Ramona Ciofu: During 2025, at the level of Neamt County, 207 crimes with minor victims were registered, referring to the crimes circumscribed by Law 217 of 2003 on the prevention and combating of domestic violence.

The year 2025 was declared the year of the child and should have represented a moment of responsibility for the entire community, so that the prevention and combating of violence against children becomes a reality.

Translated by: Radu Matei