New data suggests over half of children and teenagers in Taiwan have
experienced unwanted physical contact.

A survey by the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families found that 56 percent
of respondents aged nine to seventeen said they had experienced touching that
made them feel uncomfortable.

Among those cases, more than half involved genital contact.

The survey also found that many children felt their concerns were not taken
seriously.

Nearly 70 percent said that when they reported the incidents, they were not
believed or their feelings were dismissed, with some even being blamed for
overreacting.

The survey also found that about 22 percent of children did not tell anyone
about such experiences ...

The most common reasons were: "thinking it was nothing serious", "not wanting
to make the situation worse", or "not knowing what to say".

Researchers say the findings highlight the need for adults to listen
carefully and respond seriously when children report inappropriate behavior.

(IG)