P a g e | 76 percent, were sexual offences, and of these, 166 involved children under the age of 18. Between January and June 2006, 789 sexual offence cases were reported, of which 179 involved children. Data collected between April and December 2009 from national crime statistics indicated 57 reported cases of neglect of children and 23 cases of assault against children. These cases included child neglect, common assault, abduction (forced elopement), and sexual assault. However, experts believe the true number of child abuse cases to be much greater. YEAR NUMBER OF CASES OF REPORTED CHILD SEXUAL OFFENCES 2005 166 2006 Jan-June 179 2009 April-Dec 23 Culturally cases of abuse go unreported, especially those involving family members. Even where cases are reported they are then not prosecuted for varying reasons. Even where they are prosecuted, police infrequently secure convictions as children make poor witnesses. Children become stressed by the circumstances of a court room easily, avert their eyes, fidget when nervous and have poor memory surrounding traumatic events. These factors make judges think they are dishonest and therefore their testimony is not sufficiently weighted against that of an opposing adult version of events. Further, the evidence given by a child is not given the same weight as that of an adult owing to poor cultural judgments of children. Doctors too are reluctant to give evidence in such cases which makes the job of obtaining convictions even more difficult. Significant improvements are needed to develop and strengthen referral mechanisms within the key sectors (Police, Social Welfare, Justice and Health) involved in dealing with the survivor at all levels. 9.7.5 Other forms of abuse and exploitation such as begging, early pregnancy, etc (Article 29 b) Legislative Section 45 of the CPW Act makes begging an offence. A person who causes or allows a child to beg can be imprisoned for up to ten months.