Far East: Unheard Voices of Child Abuse in Taiwan
Constantine Johnny
In Taiwan, a 2026 survey of minors aged nine to seventeen found that 63 percent reported having been touched on the buttocks, 58.4 percent said their private parts had been touched, and 55.4 percent reported inappropriate touching of their chest. Yet, among these being surveyed, around 22% said they kept it to themselves, not telling their parents or teachers in schools. Behind these numbers are the alarming realities of sexual assault and the psychological pressure many minors experience.
According to social worker Hsieh Ya-hsin, one of the most worrying parts is that the children are discouraged to seek help while risking secondary trauma from their experiences.
A forensic psychiatry study of child sexual abuse cases in southern Taiwan found that official data often underestimate the real prevalence, and many children have problems disclosing their experiences to authorities or investigators. According to scholars, a reason for this underestimation is the lack of clear physical evidence which makes it difficult to confirm the crime. However, little attention has been given to why the children victims refuse to disclose their abuse and why there’s a lack of physical evidence.
Family-Based Child Abuse
In a 2023 research, researchers from Department of Early Childhood Development and Education analyzed criminal and victim experiences on child abuse in Taiwan. There were 73 victims and 91 perpetrators involved. In the 73 cases, 61.6% of the victims died, 21.9% were mildly injured, and 16.5% were severely injured. The results indicated that the majority cases that ended in death were perpetrated by biological parents, relatives, and cohabiting partners.
Parents are often the only authorities to whom children could potentially turn to when they encounter problems. However, when the perpetrators are biological parents, relatives, or cohabiting partners – people who are supposed to provide care and protection - the amount of emotional, psychological, and practical barriers that children then face to disclose their experience are unimaginably high. In such contexts, even visible signs of abuse may go unreported or unnoticed, contributing to one of the many reasons for the lack of physical evidence in official records. Scholars argue that the close relationship between victim and abuser generates a distinct relation of coercion and psychological pressure, making it extremely difficult for children to report abuse.
Underreporting is also an existed institutional problem. A 2011 study surveyed 598 kindergarten teachers in, finding that 11% admitted to failing to report suspected cases of child abuse. According to the teachers, their decision to not report is associated with factors like possible punishment from the perpetrators, professional responsibility, and perceived behavioral controls over reporting. The study called for scrutinization for training on child abuse in Taiwan, while developing a well-constructured reporting guidelines when confronting suspected victims and perpetrators of child abuse.
The Persistent Invisible Crisis
Despite growing awareness of child abuse in Taiwan since 2011, research and official data suggest that the situation has not improved significantly. Studies and news over the past decade continue to report high rates of abuse, particularly within family settings, and underreporting remains a persistent problem. 2024 data collected by Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare indicate that the incidence of child abuse among infants and young children has risen significantly in recent years, and perpetrators of most cases are within the family. In 2025, Sunny Social Welfare Foundation (社團法人中華民國晴天社會福利協會), a nonprofit in Taiwan of child welfare and protection, reveals the data of an average of over 32 child abuse cases daily. Additionally, most victims are young children whose symptoms may be internalized or misinterpreted.
The persistent prevalence of child abuse in Taiwan, particularly within family settings, reveals a persistent crisis. Without comprehensive prevention measures and effective reporting mechanisms that prioritize the safety and voices of children, the cycle of abuse and silence is going to continue and likely to worsen. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action from families, educators, and policymakers to ensure that every child has a safe environment and the ability to seek help when they need it.
Early Intervention and Prevention
Nowadays, in Taiwan, reporting suspected child abuse involves multiple channels to ensure children’s safety and prompt intervention.
Individuals who suspect abuse can contact the Child Protection Hotline 113. The113 Protection Hotline is a 24/7 government‑recognized and toll‑free service available nationwide in Taiwan for reporting suspected child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and related harm.
For early intervention and even prevention, learning how to recognize the signs of child abuse is critical. Common physical signs, which are also the most easily noticeable, include unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or injuries. However, behavioral changes require closer attention and observation. These changes can present themselves as sudden withdrawal, fearfulness around certain adults, or regression to earlier developmental stages. In addition, for victims of sexual child abuse, children might display sexualized behavior inappropriate for their age. They can also experience disturbing and recurring nightmares and become reluctant to be around specific individuals. Emotional and psychological signs, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, are also indicators of maltreatment.
Being able to recognize these warning signs is particularly crucial because abuse often occurs within familiar and trusted settings, where many assume the environment is safe and overlook many details or behavior changes. By remaining attentive and enhancing awareness of the seriousness and prevalence of child abuse, caregivers, educators, and community members can intervene early and report. This can elevate the probability of connecting children to professional support and protective services that can mitigate further harm and promote healing and recovery.