HONOLULU (KHON2) — Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Oʻahu, a nonprofit organization, along with the State Judiciary Children’s Justice Centers and partner organizations released troubling statistics showing that situations that are compromising to keiki, such as abuse, increased in 2024.
Throughout 2024, the CJCs in Hawaiʻi were able to track a total of 1,839 cases of child sex abuse, felony physical abuse, sex-trafficking, internet crimes against children and children who saw a violent crime unfold. This number is an increase of seven cases compared to the numbers from 2023.
Over the five-year period of 2020 to 2024, a over 9,600 cases of this nature were reported in Hawaiʻi. However, due to underreporting, the actual number of such cases are suspected to be more than double that.
Friends of CJC says that the most prevalent form of child abuse in the islands is sexual assault, but there has been a noticeable increase in severe physical abuse. Severe physical abuse has increased on Maui, more than doubled in West Hawaiʻi and dramatically increased on Oʻahu.
The Friends of CJC has worked to aid keiki who may be affected by these scenarios through various programs, such as the Hoʻōla Nā Manaʻo program, providing children with access to extracurricular activities, clothing, groceries, housing and more.
Research shows that one in six boys and one in four girls will be sexually assaulted before they turn 18, with only 10% of affected children disclosing their abuse to others.
If you suspect that child abuse or neglect is occurring, you are urged to contact the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotlines at (808) 832-5300 or toll free at (888) 380-3088.