Over 800 child abuse cases reported to Appogg

Over 800 new child cases were referred to Appogg last year, Marianne Gauci, acting operations director of Appogg said.

She urged children to call Appogg Supportline 179 if and when they need help and advice.

Ms Gauci, who was speaking during the presentation of booklets by Appogg to the Education Division, said that protecting children is hard and tough. However, social workers are persistent people, trained to follow through each case they deal with until they are satisfied that the child is safe.

This work often brings them face to face with aggressive individuals and sometimes social workers are physically attacked, even though such cases are rarely reported, she said.

The booklets, describing the different types of child abuse, will be distributed to Year 6 students. They also explain what one can do in order to seek help.

During the presentation, held at the Anthony Valletta Birkirkara Primary School, Joe Gerada, chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Service, said more teachers and heads of schools are coming forward and reporting cases which they consider needed attention.

Those interested in obtaining a free copy of the booklet can contact the marketing team of the Foundation for Social Services on 2388 5000, or download a soft copy from www.appogg.gov.mt from the section entitled Children's Rights in the main page.

Agenzija Appogg forms part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, which also incorporates Agenzija Sapport and Agenzija Sedqa.