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The infant, who had experienced heavy bleeding in her genital area and rapidly deteriorating health, was brought to the emergency room by family members, a representative of the hospital said on Sunday.

Doctors determined that the child had suffered a torn hymen and vaginal injuries caused by sexual assault. A surgical team then performed a procedure to treat the wounds.

After several days of intensive care, the child’s condition stabilized and she was discharged from the hospital.

Upon discovering the case, the hospital’s Child Protection Unit promptly provided medical, psychological, and legal support to the victim and her family.

The representative said the perpetrator, a relative of the child who has been arrested and confessed to the crime, is awaiting legal prosecution.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Vietnam recorded 2,498 cases of child abuse nationwide in 2023.

The National Children’s Hospital alone received and treated 66 such cases in 2024. Of these, 65.1% involved physical abuse, 28.8% were sexual abuse, and 6.1% involved neglect.

Any child can be at risk of sexual abuse, regardless of gender, age, or living conditions. Studies show that the majority of perpetrators are male.

Most cases involve someone the victim knows, such as relatives, family friends, neighbors, or even immediate family members.

Violence and abuse can leave lasting physical and psychological damage, severely affecting children’s overall development.

Studies have shown that the trauma caused by abuse can impact their brain, reducing cognitive abilities, learning capacity and social skill development.

Abused children are also at higher risk of long-term injuries, depression, psychological disorders and difficulties in communicating and forming relationships.

In the long run, such trauma not only affects the child’s personal life but also has broader consequences for society, ranging from a decline in workforce quality to increased costs in healthcare, legal services and social welfare.

Doctors advise that if a child shows unusual signs, especially bleeding in the genital area, parents should immediately take them to the nearest medical facility for prompt treatment and support.