Paraguay President: Child sexual abuse is a 'reality that hurts,' urges reporting

President Santiago Peña of Paraguay has declared child sexual abuse a "reality that hurts" the nation, calling on the public to report the crime. Speaking on the National Day to Combat Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Peña emphasized the duty of adults to ensure children grow up in safe environments.

"Looking the other way is not an option; silence makes you complicit with the abuser," Peña stated, urging citizens to report any suspected cases. He stressed the importance of listening to children and adolescents and not doubting their word.

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It is a date that forces us to open our eyes to a reality that hurts, but that we cannot ignore.

The Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez, echoed these sentiments, stating the government is pursuing international agreements to combat the crime. The Prosecutor's Office reported 1,184 cases of child sexual abuse this year, averaging eight reports daily. Since 2015, over 34,000 victims have been recorded.

In 2025, the Prosecutor's Office received 3,386 reports, with 87% of perpetrators being family members or acquaintances. Additionally, the Coordinator for the Rights of Children and Adolescents reported that 3,591 girls and adolescents gave birth in 2025, with 345 of them aged 10 to 14. This issue is particularly prevalent in rural and economically vulnerable areas, highlighting the persistence of sexual violence and a lack of access to state justice and protection mechanisms.

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Looking the other way is not an option; silence makes you complicit with the abuser.