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Chiu case raises abuse awareness

The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) domestic violence information hotline saw an increase of incoming calls this month after heavy media exposure of the abuse of the little girl surnamed Chiu.

Chiu, who was pronounced brain-dead eight days ago, became a cause celebre after being turned away from several Taipei hospitals despite having suffered sever head injuries as a result of a beating by her drunken father.

"There was no increase in the number of reported cases of domestic violence, but there was an increase in inquiries about domestic violence help resources," Lin Tsyr-ling (林慈玲), executive secretary of MOI's Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Prevention Committee, said yesterday

According to the MOI, over the course of the two weeks when Chiu's case was in the news, the number of telephone inquiries regarding domestic violence through the two helpline numbers was 74 higher than the 605 inquiries received throughout last month.

On average, approximately 240 domestic abuse cases which involve minors are being reported every month, but January did not see any significant increase in the wake of the Chiu case.

The number for domestic violence and sexual violation information inquiries and case reporting is 0800-000600. The number for children and youths' safety protection reporting and inquiries is 0800-422110.

Starting in January last year, another helpline, 113, which is used for around-the-clock domestic violence case reporting, has also been available.

This toll-free number can be dialed directly from any of the 150,000 public phones across the country, as well as through all land lines and mobile phones.

Last year there were 7,343 inquiries regarding children's safety protection and 3,165 reported abuse cases.

According to a study conducted by the committee last year, the public's main information resources about domestic violence prevention and sexual violation prevention were through television reports, followed by newspapers and magazines.

The study, which was released last week, showed that 60 percent of the public were aware of the domestic abuse helpline, but were less aware of the 113 case-reporting helpline.

In order to increase awareness of 113, the ministry has given village, township and community chiefs, as well as apartment building watchmen educational courses on legal regulations relating to children's safety and protection and domestic abuse awareness promotion.

The measure aims to provide a domestic abuse reporting network within communities.

In addition, from last Friday until Saturday, the MOI is also extending the service hours of its counseling helpline to assist distressed individuals who might have Lunar New Year-related concerns.

During the days leading up to the Lunar New Year holiday, the helpline, (02) 2397-6781, will be available between 9am and 5pm daily, a three-hour extension from its regular service hours.

The volunteers who answer this helpline are trained to counsel individuals who are troubled by financial or family situations, or who have questions in regard to social welfare.
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