The Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women revealed that a total of 1,077 complaints relating to abuse of children and women were received by the 109 hotline set up to accept complaints within the bureau.
Sri Lanka Police said investigations into 477 complaints were completed, and legal action was instituted with regard to 42 of those complaints.
In addition, eight complaints were referred to the mediation board, and investigations are on going with regard to 505 complaints.
On January 4, 2024, a dedicated unit was set up within the premises of the Bureau for the Prevention of Abuse of Children and Women to accept complaints relating to abuse of children and women.
Complaints relating to abuse of children and women can be directed to the unit by email via cwb.online@police.gov.lk, the hotline 109, and the telephone number 011 2 444 444.
Complaints filed can include incidents related to sexual abuse and exploitation, torture, domestic violence, children being left in unsafe conditions, child slavery, brutality, and cyber crimes.
The Office of the Police Spokesperson said the email and telephone numbers were introduced so that the youth and children, who cannot visit police stations, can file complaints without having to be worried of their identity being revealed.
