Zero-tolerance approach

In May, the procuratorate also released detailed measures of a quick-response mechanism being established by the prosecuting departments, and prosecutors will be ordered to redouble their efforts to deal with the problem.

"We will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the sexual abuse of minors and attempts to force them into prostitution," Xiao Wei, a spokeswomen for the authority, said. "Once we obtain solid evidence we will immediately arrest and charge suspects."

Zhang Xiangjun, deputy director of the authority's prosecuting department, said national prosecutors will also attach great importance to investigating the conduct of officials who fail to act when confronted with cases of child sexual abuse. "If we discover that government officers have detected such crimes but have not taken effective measures to stop them, and that failure has resulted in minors dying or suffering severe injuries, those officials will be held criminally accountable."

He pledged that legal aid and psychological counseling for minors would be improved, and that local governments and relevant authorities would hire qualified psychological experts to provide young victims with relevant counseling.

Moreover, when a child is being questioned about alleged attacks, the public security authorities will make audio and video recordings, which will then be handed over for use by the court so the child will not have to relive the ordeal publicly, he said.

In addition, he urged schools and communities to assume supervisory roles, and to offer more guidance to parents with the aim of reducing the number of offenses.

Despite the improved measures, Tong Lihua said the only way to stop the sexual abuse of children is to make them more aware of the threat.

"Minors, who are physically and mentally immature and lack the ability to distinguish right from wrong are vulnerable and easily become targets. It's essential that we improve education to prevent sexual assaults. After learning about all the relevant knowledge and skills, children will have the ability to identify potential threats and protect themselves from harm," he said.

Contact the writer at zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn