MOSCOW, June 1 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko) – More than 500 children suffered from crimes committed against them by their family members in 2017, the press office of Russia’s Investigative Committee reported Thursday.

In the first quarter of the year, 4,700 cases were opened over crimes against minors, the statement reads. According to investigators, 4,500 minors, including 2,500 children under 14, were recognized as victims in these cases. More than 500 children fell victims to domestic violence.

As of 2016, law enforcement authorities launched 18,600 cases relating to crimes against children; 16,900 minors were declared injured persons in the cases. About 10,000 children and teenagers under 14 were among victims. In particular, nearly 2,000 minors were physically abused by parents, guardians or adoptive parents.