Law enforcement has worked to bring perpetrators to justice, arresting 4,999 suspects. Yet, the road to accountability is long: only 740 have been convicted, while 3,900 are still facing trial.
Behind the stark figures in the 2025 Annual Crime Report are the lives of children who continue to face abuse, often from people they should be able to trust. Last year, 10,492 cases of defilement were reported, a slight improvement from 12,312 in 2024. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
The report reveals harrowing details: 191 children were defiled by suspects who were HIV positive, 94 were victimized by teachers, and 65 suffered abuse at the hands of their own guardians. These shocking numbers highlight the betrayal of trust in schools, homes, and communities.
Law enforcement has worked to bring perpetrators to justice, arresting 4,999 suspects. Yet, the road to accountability is long: only 740 have been convicted, while 3,900 are still facing trial. Thousands of cases remain under inquiry or pending in court, leaving many survivors and their families waiting for justice.
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Of the cases that reached the courts, 713 resulted in convictions, 355 were dismissed, and 27 led to acquittals. Meanwhile, 1,932 cases were not proceeded with, and 3,791 remain unresolved, reflecting the systemic challenges in processing such sensitive cases.
Police officials emphasize that the decline in reported cases is encouraging, but caution that every number represents a child whose life has been altered. Community awareness, protective measures, and faster judicial processes are essential to prevent further abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.
As the country reflects on the data, the message is clear: while the numbers show some progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure that children are safe in their homes, schools, and communities.
