Child abuse cases on the rise in Czechia, with sexual violence reported more frequently

Czechia continues to see a rise in the number of children affected by abuse, with both the number of recorded cases and the severity of the violence increasing. This was reported by clinical psychologist Zora Dušková, deputy director of the Children's Crisis Centre, who noted that the trend has been observed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to her, the centre is contacted not only by children themselves, but also by their parents, foster parents and guardians. In the first half of 2026 alone, 383 children at risk received outpatient care. "Sexual violence is the most common issue children bring to the Children's Crisis Centre — the institution specialises specifically in this area," Dušková said.

Sexual violence accounts for nearly a third of cases

According to the centre's data, sexual violence makes up 28% of all cases. Other reasons include dangerous family environments and physical violence. Girls make up the majority of victims, though even preschool-age children have experienced sexual violence.

In addition to outpatient care, the centre offers immediate crisis assistance, which was used by 60 children facing violence, self-harm or suicidal tendencies in the first half of 2026. The centre's helpline received 2,635 calls, of which 505 concerned violence, bullying and neglect, and 680 dealt with self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

"The goal of our services is to provide comprehensive support, since most threats to children come from within the family itself. Physical violence is unfortunately most often committed by the people closest to the child — and the same, sadly, goes for sexual violence," Dušková emphasised.

What specialists recommend

The centre aims to provide interdisciplinary support: first ensuring the child's safety and protection, then assessing the extent of trauma and their psychological state. According to Dušková, specialists work to bring about changes within the family that reduce the risk to the child and allow them to remain at home — although this isn't always possible.

One solution the expert points to is a shift in societal attitudes: rather than relying on punishment, parenting should make more use of positive methods such as encouragement, praise and recognition. Dušková also stressed the shortage of specialised services and the need to expand their capacity.

She also drew attention to the problem of bullying and cyberbullying: children's social skills and their ability to resolve conflicts are declining, and such conflicts often go unresolved in the online space. In addition, children now find it easier to access content that is inappropriately violent or aggressive for their age.

Children and teenagers facing such issues can contact the Children's Crisis Centre helpline, as well as the Safety Line or the Lócika Centre.

Source: novinky.cz