The police force and the Agenzija Appogg yesterday signed a joint protocol containing the procedures that should be applied when any of the two organisations are dealing with issues of child abuse.

The protocol was signed by Police Commissioner John Rizzo and the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, Joe Gerada.

Commenting about the protocol, Mr Gerada said there was zero tolerance on child abuse and that the authorities were taking such issues seriously. He said around 1,200 cases were reported in 2006, with 20 per cent of them related to sexual abuse. Not all the reported cases end up in court, he said.

“There is no excuse for child abuse and it will not be tolerated. The protocol actually lays down what is done and how, when such abuse is reported. The Agenzija Appogg and the police are very sensitive about these issues. The laws are important but institutions working hand in hand in order to make it easier for the victim is also very important,” he said.

He explained that when child abuse cases were reported to Appogg, the social workers and psychologists always respected the wishes of the parents, so not all cases were referred to the police. He said that Appogg and the police already worked together on such cases, but this protocol would strengthen and formalise this working relationship.

On his part, Mr Rizzo said such cases were always given full attention by the police and the team of investigators. Children should be protected, not only by their guardians, but also at the various institutions unto they were entrusted. He said the police’s Cyber Crime Unit investigated not only child abuse in Malta but also rings of paedophilia internationally, especially over the internet.