A retrospective study on the child abuse cases reported in Sri Lanka from 2010 to 2023

Abstract

Background: Child abuse is a critical public health and social issue in Sri Lanka it affecting children's safety and well-being. Despite ongoing efforts, reporting and incidence patterns vary due to socio-economic factors, cultural attitudes, and policy changes. This study was conducted to analyze the trends and characteristics of child abuse cases reported nationally from 2010 to 2023, aiming to inform policy and improve child protection systems. Methods: Secondary data on child abuse cases reported to the NCPA from 2010 to 2023 were collected and categorized by abuse type. Data entry and descriptive statistical analysis were performed to identify temporal trends, district-level variations, and prevalence of abuse categories. Results: During 2010-2023, nearly 70,000 child abuse cases were reported to Sri Lanka's National Child Protection Authority, with the highest annual total in 2021 (11,187 cases), including 2,741 cases of cruelty and 947 of sexual harassment. Colombo and Gampaha districts consistently reported the most cases, likely due to robust awareness and reporting systems, while post-conflict northern districts like Kilinochchi and Mannar showed increasing trends after 2013 as child protection infrastructure improved. Cruelty to children rose sharply by 203% from 2010 to 2021, whereas rape cases declined substantially from 691 in 2013 to 45 in 2023. Other prevalent forms included lack of compulsory education (peaking at 1,570 in 2023) and neglect (2,005 in 2022). Reporting dipped in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to movement restrictions and reduced service access, but rebounded in 2021 as restrictions eased and delayed cases surfaced. These results highlight both persistent high prevalence and shifting patterns of child abuse reporting, shaped by public health crises, economic challenges, and regional disparities in protection services. Conclusion: The high prevalence of cruelty, sexual harassment, and neglect continues to be associated with the reports of child abuse that differ among regions. To such extent, strengthening region-specific policies, heightening awareness and access to child protection services for all is essential. Recommendations include increasing community based interventions, improving reporting infrastructure in rural and post-conflict areas, and addressing sociocultural barriers to reporting.