Severe punishment urged for child sexual assault in China

The All-China Women's Federation (ACWF) called on severe punishment for sexual assault on underage girls Friday following several such offenses.

A male migrant worker in Shanghai was formally arrested Friday for alleged sexual assault of three girls aged five to six at a local kindergarten. One of the most high-profile cases saw a 59-year-old primary school teacher sentenced to death by a city court in east China's Anhui Province in April for the rape and assault and second-graders in 2011.

"Regardless of whether such assaults lead to physical injuries, involve money or have the target children's consent, these acts result in unexpected and irreversible damage to the children's lives and growth," said Gao Shawei, head of the ACWF's rights and interests department.

She said improving legislation and policy to educate children about sexual assault would help protect minors, especially girls.

Gao called for "methods acceptable to children" to let them know how to avoid sexual assaults.