According to the executive secretary of the National Commission for the Prevention of Sex Crimes, Armando Prado, the provinces with the highest incidence of these crimes are Panama City, Chiriqui, Panama Oeste, Bocas del Toro, and the Ngabe Bugle region.

For her part, the Sex Crimes Prosecutor, Janeth Rovetto, recommended that parents be alert to changes in their children’s behavior, which may be indicators that they are victims of a sex crime.

During the launch of the sexual exploitation prevention campaign, “No More,” Rovetto, one of the panelists, explained that minors who are victims of sexual assault often take the blame for the attacks and begin to display unusual behavior.

The official explained that, in these cases, it is very difficult for victims to break their silence due to the fear of social stigma, aggravated by exposure on social media, and that many cases are linked to close relatives.

For his part, the prosecutor specializing in crimes against organized crime, Emeldo Marquez, warned about the link between organized crime and trafficking and sexual exploitation, as well as the use of social media to disseminate child pornography.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Luis Gomez stated that the majority of victims of sexual assault are between 14 and 16 years of age, which requires the contribution of all officials, auxiliary branches, and the public to confront these crimes that cause serious harm to the victims.

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