The National Child Helpline has received 3409 calls from January to August this year.

Minister for Women Children and Poverty Alleviation made the comments during the Kinoya Children’s Awareness Day organised by the Crime Prevention Watch Committee in Kinoya, Suva this week.

Akbar says children and family members just need to pick up the phone and call 1325, because we are never alone when we are near the phone and report a crime.

The Minister is urging the public if they know a child who is being abused within his home or community, to report these cases through the helpline.

She adds cases that they receive ranges from sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, physical abuse, neglect and rape.