Informed judicial sources have revealed that the number of cases and lawsuits relating to violence against children exceeded 150 in Damascus and its countryside during the first six months of 2013.
The sources indicated that violence against children also includes rape.
In a statement issued to al-Watan, the source said: "The number of cases of kidnapping was nearly 50 of the total cases registered, which is a remarkable rise due to the current situation.
The source said Syria had previously rarely had cases of child abduction and the number was extremely high compared to the last ten years.
Violence against children included forcing them to drink alcohol, of which there were 30 cases recorded.
The source said that there were five recorded incidents of domestic violence against children, pointing out that parents sometimes use excessive punishment against their children.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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