Czech authorities report record child abuse figures amid calls for systemic reforms

Czech social services recorded more than 10,000 cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation over the past year, marking the highest figure in two decades. Official data also shows authorities removed 3,616 children from their families, an increase of 300 compared to the previous period.

Experts warn that official statistics reflect only a portion of the problem, debating whether the rise stems from growing social instability or heightened public awareness. Child welfare advocates and the ombudsman highlighted significant systemic deficiencies, including a lack of clear operational criteria and insufficient preventive support services for families in crisis. In response to rising case numbers, the government is considering legislative proposals from the Ministry of Justice to streamline judicial procedures and strengthen protections for children involved in domestic violence and custody disputes.

Sources: Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy