Bulgaria Social Workers Announce Campaign to Target Child Abuse

The Social Assistance agency in Popovo has announced a concerted campaign to tackle the "very serios" problem of child abuse. Photo by dti.com

The Bulgarian State Agency for Social Assistance in the north eastern town of Popovo has launched a major campaign to target child abuse.

The Agency stated that, with the support afforded by the Child Protection Act, and with the involvement of all civic institutions and society, the "very serious" problem of child abuse could be overcome.

The authority has launched a package of measures that seek to engage all government institutions, local authorities and NGOs for "an uncompromising war over child abuse".

The municipalities of Popova and Opaka in the district of Targovishte, have adopted a joint action plan, involving the Prosecution, local doctors, the police, school head teachers and the media.

The Social Assistance department has begun arranging meetings with all GPs and will set up parent meetings at schools in the two municipalities. They will also liaise with the local mayors of the municipalities.

Local citizens will be able to warn of cases of children at risk, or report actual violence against children by phone: 4-35-63, 4-43-53 - from 9.00. to 17.30.

There is also a free national helpline for children: 116 111 via all mobile operators.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!