Andorra Reports 50% Surge in Urgent Child Abuse Cases to 36 in 2025

Andorra's Department of Childhood and Adolescence handled 36 urgent cases in 2025 under immediate action protocols, up 50% from 24 in 2024. These included 28 alleged sexual assaults on minors and eight instances of acute physical abuse, with 19 occurring outside family settings and 17 within families.

Social Affairs Minister Trini Marín linked the rise to enhanced detection through better training for professionals and heightened public awareness. She called the increase "not a cause for celebration" but stressed that earlier reporting allows for faster protection of vulnerable children. Department director Laura Mas highlighted the growing share of extrafamilial cases, noting that 16 of 19 alleged sexual assaults in 2024 involved peers. "These situations have always existed," she said, adding that improved sensitivity now uncovers them sooner. All cases advance through judicial channels, with pre-constituted evidence—recorded statements to prevent revictimization—applied in 94.4% of proceedings.

Meanwhile, the Specialized Service for Childhood and Adolescence Attention (SEAIA) supported 233 families and 314 children and adolescents, an 8% drop from 2024 that equals 2.54% of Andorra's minors. New cases fell 40% to 51, while 79 interventions closed, mainly as youths turned 21 or initial reviews found no severe risk. Neglect affected 41% of cases, often tied to poor hygiene, school absenteeism, inadequate medical care, or family violence. Adolescents aged 11-15 faced the highest impact, with 16% showing risky behaviors and a 3% rise in at-risk teens.

Officials, including Marín, State Secretary Esther Cervós, and Mas, shared the data at a parliamentary session and press conference, crediting prevention efforts for easing SEAIA's load. Marín said proactive steps "are bearing fruit" by spotting risks early. Other services included the Family Meeting Service for 81 minors; Forensic Psychologist Service for 36 judicial files, with 19 sexual assault and five physical abuse cases; and family fostering for 36 children. CRAE La Gavernera housed 41 children in its center and supervised flats.

Adoptions totaled one, with monitoring for 48 families. Mas attributed the low figure to post-Covid global shifts prioritizing domestic placements and complicating international processes, noting adoption rates are falling worldwide. Cervós said the government is expanding international agreements despite the challenges.

Youth programs reached 59 via SEPAJ, 46 adolescents in community socio-educational initiatives, 16 families with guidance, and 22 via CREI in day and residential care. The national childhood and adolescence plan advanced with 99% of its 42 measures completed or underway, including 16 fully achieved. Reporting options like the 175 hotline and ministry website continue to operate.