YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. Child abuse cases have dropped in Armenia during the 4 months of 2017 as compared to the previous year’s same period, Colonel Nelly Duryan – head of the 3rd department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation of the Armenian Police Force told a press conference on May 29.

A total of 59 child abuse cases have been recorded in Armenia during the four months of 2017. During the previous year’s same period, 71 cases were recorded – i.e.- a reduction of 12 cases.

The Colonel said sexual violence cases among the overall cases have also decreased, with only 24 cases being recorded this year – compared to last year’s 34.

Four domestic violence cases happened this year, with the number being unchanged for 2016.

“Preventive measures are very important. School inspectors have done significant work in schools and nearby locations. On the sidelines of the preventive measures, the inspectors also hold classes. By the way, it has already become a tradition when high ranking police officers go to schools and deliver classes”, Duryan said.

Speaking on issues of protection of children’s rights, the Colonel said that these issues are mainly related to divorced families, when parents get divorces and the children become an apple of discord.

The Colonel mentioned that she has raised this issue during a consultation in the UN Office.

Nelly Duryan said compared to other countries, the number of child abuses in Armenia is rather low.