29 child marriages prevented in Salem district in five months

SALEM: A total of 29 child marriages were prevented in Salem district between January and May this year, district child protection officer Sri Murali said on Wednesday. “Legal action has been initiated against those involved, with complaints filed at local police stations,” Murali said while interacting with reporters here.He said the child protection office in Salem is actively facilitating legal adoption procedures for children in need. The labour welfare department conducts monthly field inspections to curb child labour, while the child help desk at the collectorate continues to raise awareness among the public.“Between January and May, 928 children who had run away from their homes due to parental disputes, sexual harassments and other issues were rescued and rehabilitated,” he said. Awareness programmes had been conducted for 12,149 children in the past three months to help them safeguard themselves against sexual abuse, he added. “Our teams are working tirelessly to protect children from exploitation. Preventing child marriages and rescuing vulnerable children remain our top priorities,” he said.